Iqaluit bail hearing put off for U.K. man kicked off flight
Darren Edward Cosby, 39, charged after Vancouver-to-London flight diverted
The bail hearing for a British man accused of causing a disturbance and forcing a plane to be diverted to Iqaluit early Wednesday morning has been adjourned until next Thursday.
Darren Edward Cosby, 39, made a second brief court appearance in the Nunavut Court of Justice Thursday.
Cosby has been in police custody in the Nunavut capital since he was removed from Air Transat Flight 242 to London, England, from Vancouver. The RCMP allege he was intoxicated and acting in an aggressive, belligerent manner. The airline says several passengers had to help restrain the man.
Air Transat said the flight crew can cut off passengers who drink too much during a flight or stop them from boarding if they are already drunk. However, the company added, Cosby was drinking his own alcohol.
John Hawkins, the Iqaluit airport manager, said this is the first time in 10 years a rowdy passenger has been kicked off a flight in Iqaluit.
"If it gets out of hand — if it's a danger to any other passengers — the call would be up to the captain to put the plane down at the nearest location where it's safe to do so," Hawkins said.
The RCMP confirmed Cosby is from the United Kingdom, but his Facebook page says he lives in Vancouver. He has been charged with causing a disturbance, uttering threats, and mischief.
He also faces a charge of unruly behaviour under the Aeronautics Act. He faces a fine of up to $100,000 or five years in prison if convicted.