A JUDGE issued a warrant for the arrest of a Derry woman who coughed over passengers and cabin crew in an air-rage incident after she failed to show up at court.
Sarah McGuire was due to appear before Antrim Magistrate's Court for sentencing last Tuesday after she admitted to purposely coughing on crew and passengers on an EasyJet flight from Belfast to Edenborough on Sunday, October 18, 2020.
McGuire's solicitor Don Mahoney told the court that despite calling her several times, he had been unable to contact his client.
The defendant avoided a jail sentence on condition that she met the requirements set by Judge Nigel Broderick that she engage with a probation programme and not reoffend.
Mahoney conceded to the court that his client had not fully complied with the measures.
She arrived late to one appointment and even showed up "under the influence of alcohol" to another, ITV reports the court heard.
McGuire was detained at Belfast International Airport after losing her temper when asked to wear a mask on the Edinburgh-bound flight.
Footage of the incident showed McGuire coughing on passengers and cabin staff as she was removed from the aircraft while shouting "everybody dies".
This is the vile moment a woman 'coughs' on passengers after being escorted off a plane for not wearing a mask. Seriously disgusting. pic.twitter.com/wyQQc1K1YP
— news.com.au (@newscomauHQ) October 20, 2020
McGuire was arrested once inside the terminal building.
After becoming violent with the police the court heard she continued to "shout and swear" at the officers.
At an earlier trial in March, McGuire pleaded guilty to charges of common assault and behaving in a threatening, abusive, or insulting manner towards aircraft staff.
She also pleaded guilty to refusing to obey the lawful command of an aircraft commander.
