Man banned by airline for exposing Pinocchio penis tattoo

A holidaymaker from Grimsby, Humberside, who exposed himself to cabin crew and waved around a sex toy while on a flight to Majorca, has dismissed the incident as "only a giggle". The actions of Tom Washington, 22, resulted in a lifetime ban from Jet2.com. Imposing the ban, chiefs at the airline described the behaviour as "disgusting", saying they carry many families on their flights and such actions would not be tolerated. But Tom said spirits were high as, along with 22 of his friends, he boarded the flight from East Midlands Airport to Majorca dressed as female cabin crew staff.



Things, however, quickly turned sour onboard the plane when Tom says he revealed his tattoo of childhood character Pinocchio, located in his pubic area, to fellow holidaymakers and cabin crew. "There were 23 of us altogether and we all met at East Midlands airport," he said. "We got up in the early hours to do our make-up and hair like any presentable woman. We were all excited and sober at this point, and we got on to the plane with barrels of laughter from pretty much everyone – the airport staff and members of the public. We got to our seats on the plane for the safety induction.

"I got up but because my jacket was too tight, it exposed my chest which I had covered with a bra. I then proceeded to 'help' the cabin staff with the talk using a sex toy. There were some old men on the plane as well and they were a laugh. The lads mentioned I had a tattoo of Pinocchio, which I showed them, and that was the point where the manager took my passport." Following the incident, Tom was told that he would be unable to board the return flight. In order to get him back home, his friends all chipped in to raise £130 to bring him back home on a different airline.



Jet2.com said they had reported the incident to Leicestershire Police, however a spokesperson for the force said they had no record of it. A spokesperson for Jet2.com said: "Jet2.com has given a lifetime ban to Grimsby man, Thomas Washington, for indecently exposing himself to cabin crew on a flight to Majorca last Friday, May 1. The airline refused his return travel to East Midlands Airport and has also reported the incident to the police." Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: "We carry millions of families every year so this disgusting behaviour will not be tolerated. It is totally unacceptable. We pride ourselves on giving our customers a friendly and relaxing flight experience so we will take action against anyone who causes offence and disruption to our crew and passengers."