Robert Hughes, 25, the man who caused his London-bound flight to perform a 180 due to his disruptive behaviour, will now have to deal with mainland authorities since the incident happened over their airspace.
“That’s where the problem lies […] and an added nightmare,” said Helen Hughes, the man’s mother, to the SCMP. The Hughes can probably count on the fact that it will be less straightforward dealing with authorities from the mainland rather than Hong Kong.
According to the SCMP, the decision about whether or not to drop the charges against Hughs may be announced today. His passport has been confiscated by Hong Kong authorities and he is under a court order to remain at Princess Margaret hospital, reports the Liverpool Echo.
“We are very apologetic of any distress that the diverting of the flight caused passengers and flight crew,” said Cliff Hughes, the man’s father. “But Bob is a good, kind person and this behaviour is out of character and is related to an acute illness.”
Friends and family of Hughes have been raising money to help cover their legal and medical costs, with GBP3,520 (about HKD45,200) raised so far. Let’s hope he gets home soon, where he can recover in a familiar environment.
Related stories:
Too Lairy for London: Heathrow-bound jet returns to Hong Kong with rowdy passenger
—
Photo: Robert Hughes during happier times (via Liverpool Echo)
