Passenger blacklisted by airlines

The man accused of causing a hijack scare on a flight to Bali has already been banned by Australian airlines. Source: Supplied

A FLY-IN, fly-out plumber charged with knocking on a cockpit door during a flight, has been blacklisted by airlines pending a court decision.

Lawyers for Tweed tradie Matt Christopher Lockley, 28, yesterday told Brisbane Magistrates Court airline crew took an extreme measure by raising a hijack alarm on board the Virgin Australia flight in April.

Lockley has pleaded not guilty to interfering with crew members and told the court he thought he was knocking on the toilet door during a panic attack while on his way to Bali to see his wife.

His lawyers argued he should be acquitted as he had no intention to get into the cockpit and his actions did not interfere with the crews duties.

However, Commonwealth prosecutors argued Lockley had aggressively banged on the cockpit door and rattled the handle in an attempt to gain access, causing cabin crew to react appropriately, including getting other passengers to help restrain him.

The court heard evidence from the pilots and cabin crew who described how they used a covert code to indicate a possible hijack due to Lockleys actions causing set protocols to be followed where the plane was given priority and Indonesian authorities were alerted.

As a result, Lockley was detained on landing and charged when he returned home. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail.

Magistrate Judy Daley yesterday reserved her decision until December 12.

Outside court, defence barrister Chris Rosser said just being charged had already meant Lockley had been blacklisted by Virgin Australia and associated carriers.

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Passenger blacklisted by airlines