Jetstar passenger’s ‘hideous and despicable’ act horrifies families
A man who shocked passengers by exposing himself and urinating on empty seats on a Jetstar flight has been branded ‘despicable’ by a magistrate.
Jason Rangi, 52, was boarding a flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne on December 18 when he was spotted by flight attendants while he was vaping and was told to stop.
But instead he got up, took off his pants and urinated on nearby chairs.
Rangi pleaded guilty to seven charges at Southport Magistrates Court on Monday and was sentenced to one month in prison – six months suspended – and a $1,000 fine.
A 52-year-old man has pleaded guilty to a number of offenses after exposing himself and urinating on empty seats on a Jetstar flight from the Gold Coast to Melbourne (stock image)
Rangi’s lawyer, Joanna McNae, told the court her client struggled with alcohol abuse after becoming addicted to painkillers following a car accident.
The court heard he told police he had had a number of drinks before the flight, including two beers and shots of bourbon.
Ms McNae revealed that Rangi is currently homeless and unemployed, but is taking steps towards rehabilitation and breaking the ‘vicious cycle’ he found himself in.
“He is someone who needs help and he certainly accepts that,” Ms McNae told the court Gold Coast Bulletin.
Magistrate Pamela Dowse described Rangi’s actions as ‘appalling’ and said she would have sent him to prison if the sentencing option was available.
“My God, Mr Rangi, your behavior is despicable – extremely shameful, disrespectful, inconsiderate and ugly,” Ms Dowse said.
‘(It’s) disgusting, really disgusting. Why should everyone have to put up with that?’
AFP Commander Chief Inspector at Gold Coast Airport Josh Kinghorn said he was “shocked by the disgraceful behavior” shortly after Rangi’s arrest.
“AFP has zero tolerance for bad behavior at airports and this case is an example of how one person’s abhorrent actions have a direct impact on those around him,” he said in a statement.
‘Smoking a vape and urinating on a seat is not only disgusting, but also poses a serious risk to the safety and comfort of passengers.
“Such despicable actions will never be tolerated, and we will ensure that appropriate action is taken to hold the individual accountable for the abhorrent behavior.”