A 52-year-old Israeli was handed down a fine after eventually admitting to having been drunk on an aircraft and disturbing public peace.

Aided by an interpreter, Boris Sapoznikov admitted that he was drunk on a flight from Israel to Malta but insisted that he did bother anyone and that he remained seated throughout the flight.

He initially was about to plead not guilty to the charge of disturbing public peace but was informed that he could not admit to one of the charges and not to the rest. He was informed that if he denied the charges, he would be remanded in custody and could spend up to 15 days in prison until the case was assigned to another magistrate.

Seeming increasingly agitated, the accused told Magistrate Consuelo Scerri Herrera that he came to Malta for a holiday and did not wish to spend his time behind bars.

It is understood he purchased alcohol prior to boarding the flight to Malta. His wife was with him, also drunk but in a deep sleep. He attempted to wake her from her stupor by handling her in a forceful manner, and was charged with recklessly or negligently acting in a manner likely to endanger a person.

He eventually pleaded guilty and was fined €450.

Inspector Silvio Magro prosecuted.