A British Airways flight attendant has avoided jail time after being found naked and under the influence of drugs on a flight. Haden Pentecost, 41, received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, after admitting to performing aviation duties while impaired. He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay £150 in costs.

The incident occurred in May when Pentecost was scheduled to work on a flight from San Francisco to London Heathrow. Prior to the flight, he informed colleagues of stomach cramps but insisted he was fit for duty. However, cabin crew later discovered him dishevelled and erratic at the bottom of the stairs. He had locked himself in a bathroom and emerged completely naked, unaware of his state, according to prosecutor Natasha Lake.

A colleague dressed him and moved him to a vacant seat. The captain was notified and, after speaking with Pentecost, called for medical assistance. During the flight, he exhibited symptoms such as dilated pupils and confusion, unable to answer basic questions. He reportedly consumed 15 to 20 bottles of water during the journey. Although his behaviour caused significant distraction for the crew, passengers remained unaware of the situation.

Upon landing at Heathrow, paramedics met the aircraft and took Pentecost to Hillingdon Hospital. A subsequent blood test revealed the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system, leading to his dismissal from British Airways.

Lake noted that the offence could carry a maximum penalty of two years, but the case was deemed unique, lacking specific sentencing guidelines. She highlighted that Pentecost had failed to complete pre-flight safety checks, leaving his colleagues to manage the 10-and-a-half-hour flight without his assistance.

Defence lawyer Jon Harrison stated that Pentecost had lost a career he valued and had ingested drugs in San Francisco to enhance a sexual experience. He argued that had Pentecost not shown up for the flight, he would not have faced conviction. Harrison added that Pentecost was now teetotal and would not repeat the offence.

During sentencing, Judge Hannah Duncan emphasised the seriousness of the offence, stating, "Cabin crew perform an essential safety role. If anything goes wrong, it is up to you to make sure they are safe." She acknowledged the significant mitigation in Pentecost's case, including his previous good character and immediate guilty plea. The judge reduced his sentence from 12 months to six months, suspending it for a year, and mandated that he complete his unpaid work within that timeframe.