Drunken passenger caused plane to be grounded after disgusting behaviour on flight to Turkey

James Rae wreaked havoc on the TUI flight to Antalya, Turkey, on Friday May 24 after he used "bad language" and was "derogatory" towards staff.

He called one air steward a "gay boy" and told him he was only being picked on because he was straight.

Newcastle Magistrates Court heard the 29-year-old was told to stop swearing by airline staff on the flight as there were children on board.

Rehana Haque, prosecuting, said Rae, who "smelt intoxicated" started drinking spirits he had bought in duty free while on the flight.

A statement from airline staff, which was read by the prosecutor, said: "The cabin manager explained to him that his behaviour was unacceptable."

It added that Rae was, "speaking in an aggressive manner towards us".

The flight was diverted to Newcastle International Airport due to the passenger's behaviour.

The court heard Rae was "banging" his head against the seat in front of him and spilled alcohol over a little girl.

He was arrested after the flight, which had taken off from Glasgow, landed in Newcastle.

Rae's behaviour caused airport chaos after the flight was delayed by a total of five hours and 23 minutes.

The return flight from Antalya was delayed by more than 17 hours.

A statement from the captain of the flight read in court detailed how the ordeal was a "massive inconvenience to my airline".

He added: "The whole situation made me feel very annoyed."

Rae, of West Bridge Street, Falkirk, Scotland, pleaded guilty to entering aircraft when drunk / be drunk in aircraft.

Janice Hall, defending, told the court Rae is of "previous good character".

The magistrates transferred the case to Newcastle Crown Court, where Rae will appear on November 6.

Chair of the bench Steven Johnson told him: "This is beyond our sentencing powers."