Passenger accused of assaulting Air NZ crew on diverted flight ‘can’t remember’ incident

A New Zealand citizen has appeared in court in Melbourne charged with one count of assaulting a crew member on a diverted Perth to Auckland Air New Zealand flight. Swalyn Barton-Cookes, 23 and now living in Perth, was removed by Australian Federal Police in handcuffs from Tuesday’s flight at Melbourne Airport. Speaking briefly to the media after his court appearance, Barton-Cookes told 7News he “can't remember” what happened. He added: “Life's changing. Wake up. Be a better person.” The offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Flight NZ176 had left Perth shortly before 8pm (local time) on Tuesday, and was due in Auckland at 7.15am on Wednesday before being diverted to Melbourne. In court documents, it is alleged Barton-Cookes got aggressive about an hour into the flight and, after being given a warning, he tried to head-butt a crew member several times, reported news.com.au. He was allegedly intoxicated, according to Australian Federal Police. The flight attendant suffered “a slight injury”. Police say Barton-Cookes had to restrained by crew and passengers as the pilots diverted to Melbourne. AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook said “any violence or anti-social behaviour in a confined space in the air would be distressing for other passengers and crew”.<br/>