Passenger sues airline for being ‘injured’ by ‘fat’ neighbour

British Airways is in the throes of being sued by a passenger who claims that being seated next to a “fat” man caused him injuries.

Company director Stephen Prosser from Tonypandy, Rhondda, in Wales, claims injuries were caused by being sat next to the 23-stone (146kg) man for the duration of a 13-hour flight from the Thai capital Bangkok to London’s Heathrow airport in January 2016. He said that he suffered soft tissue damage after the 6ft 5in (1m 98cm) passenger “wedged” himself into the seat next to him.

The diminutive Mr Prosser who is 5ft 2in (1m 58cm), said his neighbour was ‘so large’ that his body fat ‘spilled’ into his seat by several inches. He told Mail Online that “He was a huge bloke, not just overweight but really big boned as well. He was a real lump.”

Mr Prosser said that he asked to be moved but the flight was full so the in-flight customer service manager could not help him beyond offering him extra pillows and blankets – which he accepted.

He said he was forced to continue to see a chiropractor up until May 2019.

In a hearing due to be heard today at Pontypridd County Court, Mr Prosser is set to make a claim for general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity.

According to his lawyers he was “forced to adjust his body and sit in an awkward and uncomfortable position” for the entire flight.

In response British Airways refuted the claims, stating Mr Prosser “did not not display any signs of injury” when leaving the plane.

Watch this space for the verdict!