'Sick' Ebola joke on Irish plane was big mistake, admits Italian
AN ITALIAN company director, who has admitted causing an Ebola scare by playing a "sick joke" on board an Aer Lingus plane said: "I have made a big mistake".
Roberto Binaschi (56), had scribbled "Attenzione Ebola" on a coffee cup lid as a prank on his daughter on the Aer Lingus flight from Milan.
A judge said the incident, which triggered a major security alert at Dublin Airport, was as serious as writing "there is a bomb on the plane" on a napkin.
The cup was spotted in the bin by cabin crew who reported it and triggered a major emergency response, with 142 passengers held on board for an hour as the plane went on lockdown after landing.
Binaschi, of Corso Argentina, Vigevano, near Milan, Italy, was left without a criminal conviction when he admitted a charge at Dublin District Court yesterday and paid €2,500 to the Capuchin Friary on Bow Street.
His wife (51) and daughter (23) had also been arrested but were released without charge.
Binaschi pleaded guilty to using threatening abusive or insulting behaviour on board an aircraft. The charge is under the Air Navigation and Transport Act. Judge Anthony Halpin applied the Probation Act.
The court heard the accused worked in the IT industry and had been coming to Dublin with his wife and daughter for a conference.
A garda sergeant said the message was written on the plastic lid of a styrofoam cup which was put in the bin "in the ordinary course" of cleaning up and discovered by staff.
Defence solicitor Michelle Finan said the accused wrote the note because when he took a sip from his daughter's coffee, she said: "Your germs are all over my cup now."
His wife was not aware of the exchange and it was an "extremely unfortunate" series of events.
The accused was a man of good standing in his own community, his company traded with Ireland all the time and he had been travelling here to create jobs, Ms Finan said.
Judge Halpin described Binaschi actions as a "sick joke" and said: "I cannot think of a more serious offence given the present fear of Ebola."
Related Content
Most Watched
Play
Play
Play
Play
Play
Latest Irish News
- Comedian John Bishop accused of ‘irrational and unfair’ tactics which has damaged firm set up to help people with hearing problems
- Tánaiste vows to leave ‘no stone unturned’ in bringing Irish soldier Seán Rooney’s killers to justice
- Murder trial of James Kilroy who admitted killing wife Valerie collapses over ‘complex matter’
- Three lifeguards to stand trial over young swimmer’s death
- Family of man killed by co-worker who drove car off pier says they will ‘never forgive’ her
Most Read
- Paedophile caught when he texted vulnerable 13-year-old victim’s mum by mistake
- Wife of garda killer Stephen Silver says her husband is unwell – ‘He is not the man described in court’
- Steven Gerrard poses with Kinahan gang member after St Patrick’s Day party in Conor McGregor’s pub
- Meet ‘Mr and Mrs Bling’ of criminal underworld who spent millions on jewellery and holidays
- Warning: Terrorist attack danger as security screening at Dublin Airport ‘not fit for purpose’
Latest
- Comedian John Bishop accused of ‘irrational and unfair’ tactics which has damaged firm set up to help people with hearing problems
- Tributes to Tralee woman’s kindness and charity work – ‘What she did for Tralee is unbelievable’
- Arson attack at former County Wexford just weeks after copper piping was ripped out of building by vandals
- Kerry students bidding for glory in Texaco Art Contest
- ‘I am a pressure fighter’ – Katie Taylor relishing Dublin showdown with Chantelle Cameron