A woman who forced a Jet2 plane from Manchester Airport to divert to Vienna after her “aggressive, abusive and dangerous behaviour” says she was so distressed after the incident she tried to take her own life.
Catherine Bush was banned for life by Jet2 and fined £5,000 after footage emerged of her screaming in the face of air stewardesses on a flight to Turkey, with her behaviour becoming so extreme the flight had to be diverted so she could be escorted off. Catherine, from Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire, wrote to Jet2 to apologise for her behaviour which she described as “unruly, aggressive and vile.”
The mother-of-one, who friends claim was flying to Turkey for a £3,000 teeth-whitening proceedure, said she felt ashamed and embarrassed – and had drunk too much alcohol to calm her nerves due to being unable to take her medication for a mental health condition. In the email to Jet2, which she shared with sister paper YorkshireLive, she said: “”There will never be an excuse to justify what happened and i wholeheartedly hold my hands up and take full responsibility for my actions.
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“I know it is no excuse, but I do suffer with severe mental health issues, I have anxiety, depression and a personality disorder.” According to YorkshireLive, Catherine has also shared with the publication what happened when the plane landed in Austria where she was led away by police.
“When I was removed from the aircraft and released by the Austrian authorities I sadly tried to commit suicide and was stopped by Austrian police who then took me to a psychiatric ward in Vienna. I was strapped down to the bed by my arms and legs and given strong sedatives because I was so hysterical, and a danger to myself and others.
“I was there just over a day before I was allowed out of my restraints. The psychiatric nurse told me I had, had a psychotic episode. I have experienced psychosis before due to my mental health and it was very scary and confusing for me.”
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
Mind 0300 123 3393 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm) promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems. Visit www.mind.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
SANE (0300 304 7000) Emotional support, information and guidance for people affected by mental illness, their families and carers, daily, 4.30pm to 10.30pm. Visit www.sane.org.uk/support
For information on your local NHS urgent mental health helpline, visit here
However, she doesn’t want to be seen to be making excuses for her behaviour. She told Jet2: “I would like to reiterate that this will never justify my actions on board that aircraft but I felt I had to let you know how difficult it is for me to do the most simple of tasks, things ordinary people take for granted.
“I am again feeling suicidal and overwhelmed by the whole situation. I am so embarrassed and ashamed with myself it’s becoming too much to bear but at least I’m in good hands with some friends here, who are making me feel a bit better about the whole situation. Again I apologise from the bottom of my heart that I caused so many people distress.”
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