Quebecer who caused flight to return to Montreal ordered to pay $17,450

MONTREAL – A Montreal-area man whose aggressive behaviour forced a Cuba-bound aircraft to return to Canada under a U.S. miltary escort last summer has been ordered to pay more than $17,450.

Charalabos Nassios had pleaded guilty to charges of assault, mischief and uttering threats related to a July 2017 disturbance aboard a Sunwing flight that forced the plane to double back to Montreal.

The return flight was accompanied by two F-15 U.S. Air Force jets.

Quebec court Judge Pierre Dupras has given Nassios three years to pay Sunwing the money, which covers fuel, landing fees, overtime salaries for Sunwing employees and hotel costs for 170 passengers.

The Crown was not seeking any additional jail time because of the time he had already served in detention.

Nassios will also be on probation for three years.