Overview

• Sean Joseph Howland, 59, is accused of pushing a flight attendant when he refused to return to his seat on a Perth-to-Brisbane flight during a bathroom dispute on July 14.
• The flight captain summoned Australian Federal Police officers who removed the allegedly uncooperative passenger at the departure gate.
• Howland faces one count of assaulting a crew member under section 318A of the Western Australia Criminal Code, an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
• He made his first appearance before Perth Magistrates Court on July 29 to formally face the assault charge.
• The case is one of several recent unruly passenger incidents that have prompted airlines and the AFP to strengthen in-flight safety protocols and reporting mechanisms.