Barker v Commonwealth of Australia [2016] QSC
310
The plaintiff, Mr Barker, was a passenger on a flight from Port
Moresby to Brisbane in November 2011 who had been drinking heavily
before and during the flight. Cabin crew had requested that he
cease drinking during the flight. Upon arriving at Brisbane
airport, Mr Barker's behaviour was reported to ground staff.
Subsequently, a member of the Australian Federal Police (AFP), two
customs officers and two protective services officers (PSOs)
attended to investigate. Mr Barker was directed to remain on the
tarmac while the investigation took place.
Accounts provided by witnesses suggested that Mr Barker acted in
a menacing and threatening manner towards the officers and airline
staff while waiting on the tarmac. He repeatedly abused witnesses
and made threats towards them and their family members, and was
observed to be acting aggressively and clenching his fists.
