Drunk woman barred from flight fined £2.4k for "out of character" attack

Wednesday 22 March 2023

A woman has been fined £2,400 for kicking a Police officer and using offensive language in the airport after being told she was too drunk to board a flight on New Year's Eve.

At about 09:30 on 31 December, Bernadette Gallacher (59) began to shout abuse when she was told she was too drunk to be allowed to board the flight.

St. Peter Centenier John Camara told the court yesterday that when a States police officer tried to escort Gallacher away, she kicked her in the shin.

She was then arrested but went on kicking the officer.

Gallacher admitted using language likely to offend and being drunk at the Airport – both offences under Jersey's Aerodrome Regulations – and common assault.

Advocate Sarah Dale, defending, said Gallacher was on her way to a funeral for a family member who had died suddenly.

She said: "Mrs Gallacher is extremely remorseful, but she was under a significant amount of personal stress.

"It was the first new year she would have spent with her family for a decade.

"She wanted to be with her family and attend the funeral."

She added: "Her actions are very out of character. She is ashamed that this has happened."

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris fined her £2,000 for assault, £200 for being drunk at the Airport and £200 for using offensive language, and allowed her to pay at the rate of £100 per week.