Bank executive in drunken incident on Qantas flight from Auckland

An executive banker responsible for the arrogant and bizarre antics triggered by alcohol on board an international flight, including the abusive threats to fire an Australian Federal Police officer, has faced the courts.

Citibank Sydney Managing Director Thomas Hasan Dubmore Cribb, 39, who according to an Australian court had enjoyed a “stellar career”, unleashed chaos in the last hour of a flight from Auckland to Sydney on 21 February.

Cribb pleaded guilty to obstructing a Commonwealth officer and failing to comply with the crew’s instructions.

The agreed set of facts reveals that when the flight began to descend, Surry Hills’ single father enjoyed a whiskey before ignoring standard in-flight safety rules. Cribb annoyed the man sitting across from him, had a loud phone conversation when electronic devices weren’t allowed, and ignored five requests from a flight attendant to return to his seat because he “just needed to p ***”.

Australian Federal Police officers were called in to meet the flight and remove Cribb, described as “belligerent and aggressive.” He made a scene when he left, complaining that it was “very embarrassing” and demanded to see the supervisor.

“You have no idea who I am, you don’t realize what a big mistake you’ve made,” he said.

The aggressive behavior continued to grow with Cribb saying “I can’t believe this is Australia” before unleashing a tirade of abuse against a federal police officer.

“You’re gone, I’m taking your badge, you’ve screwed up. I’m taking your job, you think you have power, you’re nothing.”

When the police went to arrest the angry man, he tried to escape, kicking two officers while they kept him on the ground.

A series of character references described the corporate giant as “a gentle soul,” and Cribb’s attorney described the actions as “bizarre” and out of place.

Cribb told police that he would not speak until he could call his lawyer, but later apologized for injuring a police officer’s thumb.

The court heard that a mixture of alcohol and anti-anxiety medications played a role in the wild antics, with the banker brought before the Citibank board and now regularly seeing a psychologist.

Judge Jennifer Atkinson, considering Cribb’s remorse, lack of a criminal record, and positive steps toward rehabilitation, placed him in a good conduct bond without conviction.