A plane passenger has appeared in court accused of dropping a lit cigarette on a carpet which could have set fire to a packed holiday jet.
John Donkin, 41, is alleged to have stubbed out a cigarette before dropping a lit one on the carpet after he was confronted by a hostess.
The incident allegedly happened 40 minutes into the flight as the Span Air airbus made its way from Lanzarote to Newcastle Airport on December 5, with 210 passengers and eight crew on board.
Mr Donkin, of Rosewood Square, Grindon, Sunderland, is charged with endangering the safety of passengers and criminal damage.
He appeared before magistrates in Newcastle yesterday, but did not enter a plea.
He is due to appear before magistrates again on May 1 when the case is expected to be committed to Newcastle Crown Court for trail.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article