British flight attendant arrested in US after 'shoving' queue jumping teenage girl at Disney World

The flight attendant, who resides with his partner in a detached property in Lemington, Tyneside, has entered a not guilty plea to the charge.

Following his arrest, Newman was released after posting $1,000 bail, where he has since travelled back to Britain.

If convicted, the airline worker could face either a fine or imprisonment for up to 12 months.

The confrontation took place on February 20, as Newman queued for Tiana's Bayou Adventure - an attraction inspired by the Princess Tiana from Disney's The Princess and the Frog.

According to an arrest affidavit lodged with Orange County Court in Florida, the young woman told Officer Richard Schorr she had been attempting to catch up with family and friends already waiting in line for the ride.

The document states that Newman extended his arms to block her path, and when she explained she was simply rejoining her group nearby, he maintained his position.

After the teenager attempted to move around him, Newman allegedly shoved her backwards with both hands, causing her to stumble into her companion.

The impact sent water from a bottle she was carrying splashing over her friend.

The girl's father, who is employed at the Disney resort, spoke to the Daily Mail about the incident, describing Newman's behaviour as unacceptable.

"I hope this sends a message that it's never ok to put your hands on someone else except for self-defence, especially somebody a lot younger than you and from the opposite sex," he said.

He emphasised his daughter's slight build, noting she stands at 5ft 2in and weighs 120lbs, adding that she appears younger than her years.

"My daughter is 18 but she looks 15,'" he explained, "there's no mistaking the fact she was a child so for him to put his hands on a child, he was dead on wrong".

"It's inexcusable what he did."

Newman allegedly claimed to have no knowledge of the incident when initially approached by reporters.

However, upon being presented with his custody photograph released by Orange County Sheriff's Department, he acknowledged the situation, but declined to discuss it further.

Standing beside his white Mercedes on the driveway of his home, Newman stated he believed the legal matter had been resolved, saying: "'It has been sorted as far as I know".

Neighbours expressed disbelief at news of his arrest in America.

One resident, who moved to the area in 2022, described receiving flowers from the couple the day after arriving.

"I have never met a nicer couple of people in my whole life," they said, "he would never have pushed anyone deliberately".

Newman has reportedly resumed his duties with the airline.