Cleared, the father accused of leading Ryanair jet revolt

After a nightmare flight with budget airline Ryanair, it could well be the last.

Mr Wilkie found himself the unlikely leader of a passenger revolt when a terror alert caused their flight to be grounded. His family were forced to spend nearly six hours on the plane without food or drink.

Unable to get water for his two children and frustrated at the lack of information from staff, Mr Wilkie tried to disembark, followed by 30 fellow passengers.

After being persuaded to stay, however, the rebels were stunned when police arrived and arrested their 'ringleader' for causing a security alert on a flight.

In court, Mr Wilkie, 36, admitted the charge. But a Scottish sheriff refused to punish him after receiving dozens of letters from passengers supporting him. Instead, the sheriff called on Ryanair to apologise for its 'ridiculous' behaviour.

Mr Wilkie, who teaches stage management in Glasgow, is consideringa civil action against Ryanair. He said: 'We understand why these security measures are in place but this is bordering on hysterical. We were being herded about like cattle and the attitude of staff was unbelievable.'

The ordeal began at the end of a holiday to France during which the couple and their sons Jacob, five, and three-year- old Aaron had already endured two cancelled flights and a diversion via Spain on the way out.

The journey home concluded with a flight from Paris to Prestwick airport in Ayrshire. But 20 minutes from home the pilot was forced to divert to Edinburgh following a terror alert.

Hours after setting off, the Wilkies and around 200 other passengers were still on the tarmac at Edinburgh.

Mr Wilkie said he became exasperated by the lack of information from staff and their dismissive attitude. They also refused requests for refreshments for the children.

Elected the passengers' spokesman, Mr Wilkie told the crew he was taking his family off the plane. Staff called the pilot, who Mr Wilkie claims told him: 'On you go then, get off.'

With his wife and children, Mr Wilkie stepped out of the open aircraft door, followed by dozens of other fed-up passengers, only to be met at the foot of steps by airport staff who persuaded them it was in everyone's interests to reboard the plane.

Mr Wilkie reluctantly agreed, but was shocked to see police later walk on to the plane and arrest him despite the protests of passengers.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court he admitted causing a security alert on a plane, but Sheriff Andrew Lothian decided simply to admonish him.

Sheriff Lothian said: 'It is ridiculous that this has been taken so far. I feel you are due an apology.'

Mr Wilkie said: 'It has really put me off flying and I certainly won't be going away with Ryanair again.'

Last night Ryanair stood by its actions and insisted staff should follow the same procedure next time.