Off duty Sussex officers restrain violent passenger on Gatwick flight
The three officers have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards
Sussex Police officers are being commended for their courage on a flight to Gatwick, where they helped restrain a violent passenger who attacked his wife mid-air.
On the 13th of March 2023 a routine flight was travelling back to Gatwick from Tenerife.
A man, having consumed most of a litre bottle of rum purchased at duty free, began shouting and causing alarm amongst passengers.
Two hours into the journey, he attacked his wife, escalating the situation further.
Among those witnessing the outburst was PS Owen, who identified himself as a police officer and immediately stepped in to protect the woman and reassure passengers.
A brave member of the public assisted and, with the captain's agreement, they relocated the disruptive passenger to the rear of the plane.
PS Owen was then joined by PC Bernard, who was heavily pregnant, and Special Constable Julius Gudaitis.
Despite attempts to calm the man, his behaviour became more volatile, prompting cabin crew to provide restraints.
The officers subdued him safely, contending with attempts to headbutt and strike them.
His legs were eventually restrained using a child's seat harness.
The flight captain considered diverting to Lisbon but, advised by the officers, decided it was safe to continue to Gatwick.
Upon landing, the man was arrested immediately and escorted from the aircraft.
Passengers, though shaken, were unharmed thanks to the calm and decisive actions of those involved.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner commended the team's actions A police officer’s duty to protect the public does not end when they take off their uniform.
“The actions of these three officers demonstrate the dedication to public service that my colleagues deliver every single day, often unseen.
“Their quick-thinking and courage undoubtedly saved this victim from further harm, and ensured other passengers and crew were also protected.
“The brave member of the public and the cabin crew must also be commended for their roles in taking control of a clearly challenging situation.
“I am proud to have officers such as these serving in Sussex Police, representing the thousands of colleagues who do such outstanding work in our communities every day.”
Sussex Police Federation Chair Raffaele Cioffi said: “Thousands of feet in the air, in the tightest of spaces, these officers stepped toward danger when everyone else sought safety.
“Faced with a violent, unpredictable individual on a packed aircraft, they showed remarkable bravery, calmness and control in a situation that could easily have spiralled into panic.
“With nowhere to retreat and passengers’ lives depending on them, they put themselves directly in harm’s way to protect complete strangers. What they showed that day wasn’t just courage - it was selflessness, professionalism and true commitment to the Office of Constable.
“They are a credit to Sussex Police, to the Police Federation, and fully deserving of recognition.”
All three officers have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards.