Passenger Charged After Chicago-Bound Flight Diverted to Belfast

— -- A Chicago-bound United Airlines flight that was diverted to Belfast over the weekend -- resulting in a delay of almost 24 hours for passengers -- was disrupted by a passenger who became abusive when he didn’t get nuts and crackers, authorities said.

Jeremiah Mathis Thede, a 42-year-old with dual Italian and American nationality, was charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft, disruptive behavior and common assault.

Police told Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Monday that the trouble began after takeoff when Thede demanded "nuts or crackers." He was given some nuts, but the situation escalated when Thede asked for more and the pilot became concerned about the passengers behavior, authorities said.

Many of the 282 passengers spent the night at Belfast airport before flying on to Chicago on Sunday.

Thede's lawyer said his client denies any wrongdoing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report