Judge attacks in-flight drink

A judge yesterday criticised airlines for making alcohol too easily available after hearing how an American high on drink and drugs turned a Virgin Airlines transatlantic trip into a "flight from hell".

Staff on the flight from Orlando, Florida, to Manchester last month were so alarmed at 37-year-old James Mullahy's violent behaviour that the captain ordered the flight deck doors should be locked.

Mullahy, from Palm Coast, Florida, who was taking medication, was sentenced at Manbchester Crown Court to the maximum two years' imprisonment.