An American firefighter today pleaded guilty to assault charges after an incident on board a transatlantic flight.
John Tutor (37) from Chicago, was said to have punched a flight attendant, used foul language and made sexual remarks to other passengers on an Aer Lingus jet that arrived in Dublin last night.
Tutor was travelling to Ireland to meet up with his Tipperary-born wife and two children, who had flow to Ireland ahead of him.
Thirty minutes into the flight from Chicago, he became abusive and eventually had to be restrained by passengers and two crew members, the court heard.
He then spent the rest of the flight handcuffed and strapped to his seat but he continued to be abusive.
At Dublin District Court, his lawyer Mr Philip Hammond said Tutor was remorseful and ashamed of his behaviour.
He had just worked a double shift in order to get to Ireland before Christmas and was suffering from serious lack of sleep.
Tutor was also said to have a fear of flying and had several drinks to steady his nerves.
Ahead of his court appearance, Tutor apologised to Aer Lingus staff and police for his behaviour.
Tutor was remanded in custody and will be back in court to be sentenced tomorrow.