USA: VIRGIN PILOT ACCUSED OF DRINKING ON THE JOB, ORDERED TO SURRENDER PASSPORT BEFORE FEBRUARY COURT HEARING

Record ID: 673895

  • Title: USA: VIRGIN PILOT ACCUSED OF DRINKING ON THE JOB, ORDERED TO SURRENDER PASSPORT BEFORE FEBRUARY COURT HEARING
  • Date: 22nd December 2003
  • Summary: FILE (REUTERS) LV DULLES AIRPORT
  • Embargoed: 6th January 2004 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: LEESBURG AND DULLES , VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Crime,General,Transport
  • Reuters ID: LVA9Z4P73B9ZIJLWNH5UA5NZZ89
  • Story Text: Virgin pilot accused of drinking on ther job,
    ordered to surrender passport before February court hearing


    A Virgin Atlantic pilot accused of attempting
    to fly a plane under the influence of alcohol was told
    on Monday (December 22) that he cannot leave the United
    States pending a February court appearance.

    Captain Richard Harwell, 55, who was seized shortly
    before he was due to fly the 747 across the Atlantic on
    Friday, was released from custody after paying more than
    $25,000 for a bail bond.

    Captain Harwell, who is American but lives with his
    family in Oxfordshire, UK , appeared on a video link from
    jail, where he has been held since his arrest at Washington
    Dulles International Airport just before he was due to fly
    his plane to London.

    Harwell, who had been due to fly 383 passengers from
    Washington DC to Heathrow, faces up to five years jail if
    convicted.

    He was escorted off the plane by Metropolitan
    Washington Airport Authority Police after security staff
    told a Virgin supervisor they allegedly smelled alcohol on
    his breath.

    Harwell's lawyers endeavoured to convince Judge James
    Forsythe to allow their client to return home, but in
    setting the bond, the judge told Harwell he must not leave
    the US. Harwell's next hearing is scheduled for February 3.
  • Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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