LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A Saudi Arabian businessman who fondled a woman with his bare toes and grabbed another woman‘s knee while flying in business class, pleaded guilty on Monday to federal charges of interfering with a flight crew. In exchange for his plea, the government agreed to ask that Mohammad Saeid Hejazi, 48, be sentenced to probation, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Clendening. However, the judge does not necessarily have to abide by the deal, said Clendening, and Hejazi could be jailed for up to 20 years and fined $ 250,000 when he is sentenced on Sept. 15. Hejazi, who also holds U.S. and Canadian passports, was on board a United Airlines flight from London to Los Angeles last Jan. 10 when other passengers complained of his behaviour. Hejazi put his bare foot on the armrest of a seat in front and touched the woman‘s arm with his toe. Another woman, sitting behind Hejazi in business class said he repeatedly reached back and grabbed her knee. After a warning from the captain, Hejazi was escorted to the rear of the plane where he was put in plastic handcuffs, the documents said. While walking through cabin, Hejazi shouted curses at one flight attendant and threatened to kill another. He freed himself by burning the cuffs with a cigarette lighter and twice more had to be restrained by crew members before being arrested on arrival at Los Angeles International Airport.