The offence of endangering the flight of an aircraft required proof that there followed from the act of the defendant a real risk of danger, a danger that should not be ignored. A passenger refused to turn off his mobile phone. The prosecution brought evidence that the phone would emit signals searching for a base, and that such signals might interfere with the flight systems. The risk was of disastrous consequences for life, and the judge correctly identified the risk to be shown.
Citations:
Times 10-Dec-1999, Gazette 07-Jan-2000
Statutes:
Air Navigation (No 2) Order 1995 (1995 No 1970) Art 55
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Transport, Crime
Updated: 25 October 2022; Ref: scu.85610