(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – Putting civilians’ lives in danger for being an irresponsible man and dishonoring his career, a U.S. pilot was recently jailed in Scotland jail for being drunk before a Delta Air Lines flight.
According to Scotland’s Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), 63-year-old Captain Lawrence Russell admitted to “reporting for duty as a pilot while being impaired through alcohol.”
Likewise, the captain was set to fly a Boeing 767 from Edinburgh to New York’s JFK Airport in mid-June last year.
However, security detected suspicious items in his carry-on luggage, which included two bottles of Jägermeister, one partially consumed.
The COPFS reported that Russell “failed a breath test at 9.30 am and later a sample of blood was taken which showed Russell had not less than 49 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.” The legal limit is 20 milligrams.
Shortly after, he confessed to being the owner of the alcohol.
Sheriff Alison Stirling, who issued the sentence, cited “punishment [and the] protection of the public,” noting Russell’s two previous DUI convictions in the U.S.
Russell received a 10-month prison sentence at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
Russell’s attorney, Pamela Rodgers, described him as “remorseful” while highlighting his 277 days of sobriety as he completed the 12-Step Alcoholics Anonymous program.
Prosecutor Lynne Barrie argued that Russell’s actions endangered lives and showed disregard for safety. Barrie stressed the pilot’s responsibility for hundreds of lives.
Delta Air Lines acknowledged the incident and stated they removed the pilot from duty and are conducting an investigation with Scottish authorities.
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