A drunk plane passenger whose rowdy behaviour sparked fears that a terrorist attack was imminent has been fined.

Tracey Guttridge, 40, was arrested on landing at Gatwick after crew on the North Western Airlines flight from Detroit phoned the airport's police.

The unemployed single mother admitted being drunk on an aircraft on September 8.

Richard Lynn, prosecuting, told Crawley magistrates yesterday: "Other passengers complained to cabin crew that Guttridge was shouting, climbing over seats and at one point stood on a meal tray.

"She had been drinking out of a mug that was found to be full of an alcoholic drink and this was confiscated."

Guttridge, of Redwood Close, Bow, east London, swore and was abusive when cabin staff remonstrated with her.

Mr Lynn said: "Her behaviour concerned surrounding passengers and one told a crew member she felt it was a distraction in preparation for a terrorist attack."

Michael Brady, defending, said: "Mrs Guttridge realises it is a serious matter and is very remorseful."

Presiding magistrate, Sheila Roberts, told Guttridge: "We considered sending you for sentence to the crown court which has the power to send you to prison but as a previous bench gave an indication the matter would be kept at magistrates court level you will instead be fined £300 with £55 costs."