A drunk Frenchman who forced a Lufthansa flight to divert to Bermuda was today fined $1,000.

Benoit Becuwe admitted in Magistrates’ Court to being drunk on the flight in the early hours of this morning.

The 28-year-old, of no known address, also pleaded guilty to behaving in a disorderly manner towards crew members.

The court heard that Becuwe boarded the plane in Panama City, Panama, at 9.40pm yesterday and was served “a few” alcoholic drinks.

He later approached staff for more and became loud and aggressive when he was told crew were no longer serving alcohol on the flight to Frankfurt, Germany.

About 20 minutes later and after repeated attempts to calm him, crew members warned him he would be restrained if he did not settle down.

But he became aggressive towards a female flight attendant, was put in plastic handcuffs and the flight diverted to Bermuda, landing at 2.28am.

Airport operators Bermuda Skyport said later that the aircraft, with 258 passengers and 14 crew, was boarded by the Bermuda Police Service, who removed Becuwe.

The aircraft refuelled before departing at 4.40am.

In court this morning, Becuwe, who was being assisted by a translator, apologised for his actions and duty counsel Vaughan Caines said Becuwe drank because he had anxiety and wanted to sleep.

He also pointed out that the defendant, who works as a teacher, had no previous convictions and requested an absolute discharge.

However, magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo said: “In this current climate of uncertainty, terrorism and concern over air travel, this kind of behaviour cannot be treated lightly.”

Adding that an absolute discharge would not be acceptable, he handed Becuwe a $500 fine for each count, to be paid on the spot or face 20 days in prison instead.

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