Brit 'punches fellow passenger' as Turkey-bound plane forced to make emergency landing

A plane bound for Turkey was forced to make an emergency landing after a British man allegedly punched another passenger. The jet from Manchester Airport was en route to Antalya when the pilot made an unscheduled stop in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Monday (September 1).

Reports claim a British man, 35, allegedly punched a 41-year-old Turkish passenger during the flight. Local media in Greece said the plane touched down in the Greek city at about 11pm local time (9pm BST).

Greek news outlet Ekathimerini reported that the Brit was then arrested. The victim was seen by a doctor at the airport before he continued on to Antalya, according to the Mirror.

The British passenger was due to appear before a prosecutor on Tuesday and faced the possibility of being charged with dangerous interference with transportation, bodily harm, disobedience and disturbing the peace, reports the outlet.

Ekathimerini reported that the British man was convicted at a court in Thessaloniki and sentenced to 15 months.

He was allowed to "buy off" his sentence at a rate of £8.67 (€10) per day, according to the same publication.

The Brit was reportedly found guilty of dangerous bodily harm and disturbing the peace on the flight. He was said to have been acquitted of a charge of disobedience.

The sentence was suspended pending an appeal and he was released. Reports said the British man denied punching the passenger and claimed he pushed him after he felt a "shake" as he tried to recline in his seat.

He reportedly told the court: "I didn't do anything violent." He allegedly admitted drinking a small amount of alcohol. Cabin crew members said he had drunk two cans of beer.