BA cabin crew member found naked and on drugs during flight hears fate

A British Airways flight attendant who was found naked and on drugs in a plane toilet during a transatlantic journey has been spared prison.

Haden Pentecost was handed a six-month sentence, suspended for a year, after admitting to performing an aviation function while impaired by drugs. The 41-year-old was due to work on a BA flight from San Francisco to Heathrow in May this year, Isleworth Crown Court heard.

Pentecost, of Basingstoke, Hampshire, told his colleagues before departure that he was suffering stomach cramps but that he was fit to fly. After take-off, cabin manager co-workers found him at the bottom of the stairs, and described him as dishevelled, pale, sweaty and erratic.

Prosecutor Natasha Lake told the court that Pentecost locked himself in a bathroom and was "completely naked and oblivious" to the fact that he had no clothes on when he emerged. After Pentecost was clothed and moved to a free seat, the captain was alerted and called for medical professionals on board.

It was found he had dilated pupils, was unable to answer what year it was, and drank 15 to 20 bottles of water during the flight. No passengers were said to be aware of his condition.

Upon landing, Pentecost was taken to Hillingdon Hospital. A blood test found he had taken methamphetamine and amphetamine, and he was later dismissed from his job.

Jon Harrison, defending, said Pentecost took drugs while in San Francisco to "enhance a sexual experience," and added: "Had he not turned up for that flight he would not have been convicted of this offence. "He won't ever commit this offence again because of the loss of his job." Read more from Sky News:Relocated Afghans 'staged torture videos', ex-interpreter saysScottish minister quits after assault claim'Catfish' jailed for sex offences against children including rape Sentencing, Judge Hannah Duncan told Pentecost: "You don't need me to tell you just how serious this offence was.

Cabin crew perform an essential safety role." She added that "it would have been frightening for any passengers to see you in that position.