A veteran flight attendant’s blood alcohol level was 10 times over the limit on a flight from California to London.
Margit Lake, 56, purchased several small vodka containers aboard the Boeing 777 operating the San Francisco to Heathrow route on October 17.
Medical personnel transported the Californian crew member to hospital following the aircraft’s arrival when she exhibited signs of low blood pressure.
Paramedics detected alcohol when examining her, according to court proceedings.
Laboratory analysis subsequently showed Ms Lake’s blood contained 216 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres, significantly above the 20-milligram threshold permitted for aviation personnel in Britain.
Ms Lake faced Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court wearing a black cardigan, where she pleaded guilty to performing aviation duties whilst exceeding alcohol limits.
The incident marked the end of her 26-year career with United Airlines, from which she has now resigned.
Prosecutor Beena Makwana told the court that Ms Lake’s intoxication presented an “obvious risk to herself and other passengers” during the transatlantic journey.
Margit Lake has resigned from the US airliner
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The court heard that since the October incident, Ms Lake has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings nearly every day.
Defence counsel Ben Lansbury informed magistrates that his client “deeply regrets what happened” and described the events as shocking to her.
British colleagues who have been supporting Ms Lake were present in the courtroom during proceedings.
Mr Lansbury explained that his client had been experiencing personal difficulties, including estrangement from relatives and bereavement issues.
Lake appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates Court
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“She had the alcohol because she needed to calm down,” the defence lawyer stated, attributing Lake’s actions to “grief” and “isolation.”
The court heard that Lake consumed the spirits during the ten-hour overnight service to manage her emotional state.
Me Lansbury emphasised that Ms Lake found the consequences of her actions shocking.
Several UK-based airline colleagues have rallied behind Lake, with some attending court proceedings to show their support.
Magistrate Tony Delliston assured Lake she would avoid imprisonment.
He told the court: “We are not going to commit this to the crown court. We can deal with this here. You are not going to prison. We are going to deal with this with a financial penalty.”
The court imposed fines totalling £2,130, comprising a £1,461 penalty, £584 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.
This amounts to approximately $2,700 according to current exchange rates.
Ms Lake faced potential imprisonment of up to two years for the aviation safety breach.
United Airlines declined to comment on the incident involving their former employee.
