A British Cypriot who was drunk and tried opening the emergency door on a flight from Cyprus has been jailed for 11 months in the UK.

Alexandros Christou, 21, admitted in Bristol Crown Court to assaulting his partner, another passenger and a member of the flight crew.

Christou, of Rhydynos Street in Blaenavon, Gwent, also tried to open the emergency door during the flight.

He pleaded guilty to battery, two common assaults, a public order offence, criminal damage, being drunk on an aircraft and reckless behaviour likely to endanger an aircraft.

The easyJet flight from Larnaca to Bristol took place last September and Christou was arrested on arrival at Bristol airport.

Judge James Patrick told Christou that: “This was a petrifying incident for those who were involved… those who offend this way must expect to receive a custodial sentence.”

Witnesses told the court that Christou hurled vile abuse during his rampage.