A man accused of causing chaos at a major Australian airport has pleaded guilty after admitting he shoved a Virgin Australia staff member during a terminal outburst.
Guilty Plea in Brisbane Court
The 37-year-old man pleaded guilty in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday to public nuisance and assault occasioning bodily harm over the incident at Brisbane Airport’s domestic terminal on May 15, 2025.
The incident unfolded near Gate 45 shortly after 11am, with travellers watching as the man was restrained on the ground by a Virgin crew member and a member of the public until Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers arrived.
Details of the Assault
During the confrontation, the man, who was wearing what appeared to be a Lime e-scooter helmet, pushed a Virgin Australia staff member, causing her to fall backwards. The worker suffered bruising to her arms and ankle.
Virgin Australia crew and a bystander restrained the disruptive passenger at Brisbane Airport’s domestic terminal. The man appeared via video link from Capricornia Correctional Centre in Rockhampton on Tuesday after already being in custody on unrelated matters.
Background and Mental Health
Police facts tendered to the court revealed the man had been disruptive on a flight from Sydney to Brisbane and was refused boarding on a connecting flight to Mackay. The court was told the man, who has schizophrenia, had been off his medication at the time of the incident.
The airline previously thanked crew for their swift response, while Brisbane Airport also praised passengers who stepped in to assist.
Potential Penalties
Under Queensland law, he could face up to seven years’ imprisonment for assault occasioning bodily harm, as well as up to six months jail for public nuisance.
