Air rage accused 'terrified'

A man from Merseyside who is facing air rage charges in the United States has admitted he is terrified about what could happen to him.

Brime Benjamin Reatus is being held under house arrest in Florida while on bail following an alleged incident on a flight from Manchester.

Mr Reatus, from Liverpool, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a £165,000 fine if he is convicted.

On Friday, the 32-year-old dancer said: "I don't know what's going to happen to me".

He was arrested at Orlando-Sanford International Airport, after an alleged row with cabin staff on board an Air 2000 flight last Saturday.

I'm just so worried. They've taken my passport, my clothes, and my money

Brime Reatus

Mr Reatus admits having an argument with flight staff after they told his female travelling companion to sit down while the seatbelt sign was lit.

However, he said he felt the staff were rude and victimising both him and his friend but, after challenging them about their attitude, thought the matter was over.

He said: "All I did was tell them not to speak to her like that, but they said I threatened them with violence.

"Nothing physical happened and I thought that was the end of it.

"Then when we landed three policemen got on the plane, they handcuffed me in front of everyone and led me to a holding cell.

'Not aggressive'

"Even then I thought I was just going to get a caution. I couldn't believe it when they told me it was really serious."

Mr Reatus had flown to Florida for a two-week holiday to celebrate his birthday, which is next Wednesday.

"I'm just so worried. They've taken my passport, my clothes, and my money," he added.

His sister Cecelia Obam, 30, said it was not in her brother's nature to be aggressive.

Speaking from her home in Toxteth, Liverpool, she said: "We're so worried for him. We just want him home safe."

Mr Reatus' next court appearance is in July.