On 19/9, Haden Pentecost, 41, received a six-month suspended sentence at Isleworth Crown Court in London after pleading guilty to performing aviation duties while under the influence of drugs.
The former British Airways flight attendant was also ordered to complete 80 hours of community service and pay £150 in costs.
In May, Pentecost was working on a flight from San Francisco to London. Before the flight, he told colleagues he had a stomach ache but insisted he was fit to fly. Colleagues later found him at the bottom of a staircase disheveled, pale, sweating, and acting strangely.
According to the prosecutor, Pentecost locked himself in the lavatory. When he emerged, he was completely naked and seemingly unaware of his state of undress. A colleague tried to understand what Pentecost was saying before dressing him and placing him in an empty seat.
The captain, after being informed, spoke with Pentecost and requested medical professionals on board. The court heard that Pentecost had dilated pupils, couldn't answer what year it was or who the US president was, and consumed 15 to 20 bottles of water during the flight.
His behavior caused a significant distraction for the captain and crew, though none of the passengers were aware of the incident. Upon landing at Heathrow Airport, Pentecost was met by paramedics and taken to a hospital. Blood tests later revealed methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system.
British Airways dismissed Pentecost following the incident.
 |
Haden Pentecost appearing in court on 22/8. Photo: PA |
Haden Pentecost appearing in court on 22/8. Photo: PA
The prosecution told the court that Pentecost failed to complete his pre-flight safety checks, leaving colleagues to handle the 10.5-hour flight without his assistance.
The defense attorney stated that Pentecost had used drugs in San Francisco to "enhance a sexual experience," resulting in the loss of his career, and asserted that his client "will never repeat this offense as he has lost his job."
The prosecutor noted that Pentecost's offense carried a maximum two-year prison sentence but offered no sentencing recommendation, describing the case as "quite unusual."
The judge acknowledged "mitigating factors" in Pentecost's case, such as his good character, immediate guilty plea, and non-aggressive behavior. After consideration, the judge granted Pentecost a suspended sentence.
Tue Anh (according to Mirror)
