A PASSENGER who started trouble on a packed aeroplane after lighting a cigarette has been jailed for two months - almost four years after the event.

John Michael Handley, 54, had gone missing when he was due to face sentence for the "air rage" rumpus two years ago but was arrested, brought before Burnley Magistrates two weeks ago and remanded in custody.

The court had earlier been told how Handley, then unemployed and on a holiday flight back from India, abused a steward and told him he might "get a smack" after he was caught sneaking a "crafty drag".

The cabin crew on the Monarch plane had feared violence might erupt as the defendant became verbally threatening and the flight purser thought he would hit out.

Handley claimed he had found it difficult being deprived of nicotine and was not ready for the steward's reaction.

Handley, of Gisburn Road, Barrowford, had been convicted of smoking in a compartment of a UK registered aircraft and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in December 1998 and the case had been transferred from Crawley Magistrates.

The defendant, who has previously served a term of three years probation for a "road rage" affray, also admitted driving while disqualified and other motoring allegations.

The court had earlier heard how cabin staff believed Handley was smoking in the toilet.

A check was made before and after he used it and an attendant smelled tobacco smoke.

A steward went to the defendant who became aggressive and threatened him. Handley was met by police at Gatwick Airport.

Rachel Adamson, defending yesterday, said Handley had got scared because he believed he was facing a substantial jail term.

She said if he had turned up for sentence two years ago there was every chance he would have been given a community penalty.