Jessica Kostakopoulou, 43, was stopped by security in Heathrow Airport
An air hostess has admitted to attempting to board a flight at Heathrow Airport while over 12 times the legal alcohol limit. Jessica Kostakopoulou, 43, claimed she hadn’t been drinking when stopped by security in Terminal 2 of the west London airport on March 22, prompting the police to be called.
The defendant, who had been employed by Scandinavian Air since October 2024, “appeared unsteady on her feet and slurred her words” and reeked of alcohol during the incident, prosecutor Reem Khatib informed Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.
Subsequent breathalyser tests revealed she had 254 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in her system, with the legal limit being 20 milligrams, the court was told.
Kostakopoulou, from Claremont Road, Windsor, pleaded guilty to carrying out an activity, namely going through security, which was ancillary to an aviation function at the court on Tuesday.
Amber Pierce, defending, informed the court that the defendant was not a supervisor on the flight she intended to board and “no direct harm” resulted from her actions.
The court heard that Kostakopoulou, who was of previous good character and had worked in the aviation industry for over 20 years, resigned from her role as an air steward immediately following the incident.
The magistrates bench fined the defendant £623, including a victim surcharge and legal costs, to be paid in monthly instalments, having found her remorse to be “genuine”.
Speaking in court, Kostakopoulou said: “I feel very ashamed and embarrassed about everything that happened.
“I’m trying to amend my ways now and start a new job. I’m very sorry.”
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