British 'booze binge' diplomat shackled

A senior Army officer holding a sensitive diplomatic post went "berserk" while drunk on a plane and had to be subdued by having his wrists and ankles shackled, a court was told.

Colonel Peter Roberts, the defence attache in Thailand, was on his way to London when he allegedly went on an alcohol binge in business class.

At one point, Roberts, 51, allegedly shouted "f*** this country, f*** the King, f*** the Buddha". Prosecutor Gareth Rees, QC, said this was directed at "the King and country of Thailand."

Later, while being restrained, Roberts is said to have screamed, "Do you know who I am? I am the head of the British Government in Thailand."

Isleworth Crown Court heard that Roberts had drunk wine, three whiskies and "some port" on the flight.

He is alleged to have threatened to kill a crew-member, kicked a policeman and grabbed a "terrified" 2-year-old boy and his mother. He also loudly declared that North Korea was "untrustworthy".

Fellow passenger Kevin McGuire said Roberts was put in plastic "restraints on his wrists and ankles" after he began to rant and rave.

Roberts denies being drunk. The case continues.

- INDEPENDENT