Air hostess ‘mixed drugs and alcohol’

Press, 31 July 1984, Page 6

Air hostess ‘mixed drugs and alcohol’

PA Auckland The Airline Stewards and Hostesses’ Union is investigating the type of medication believed to have been taken by a hostess who allegedly sexually molested a passenger. f T have seen some horribly weird things happen with passengers who have taken preflight medication and then had a few drinks aboard,” said Mr Peter Best, president of the union, yesterday. “We have every indication this is what happened with this girl.” Valium — widely used as a sedative — was one of the chief culprits in such cases, he said. “A glass or two of champagne on top of a dose of valium can really upset the balance.” -•Mr Best said that the us® — both

scribed or taken by individual choice — was a problem that continually worried the union.

“I only hope the girl is not prejudged on the newspaper publicity,” he said. Union inquiries are in the hands of Miss Jan Waddell, senior vice-president.

The hostess, who has been suspended, is expected to appear before the airline today.

It is alleged that the incident happened while she was travelling as a passenger on a late night flight from Auckland to Honolulu.

Cabin crew forced the door of a toilet after the assistance-required light flashed. The woman and a male companion were inside. Later, a first-class passenger complained that another passenger had been molested.