A Ryanair (FR) cabin crew member has told a court that she was sexually assaulted while working on a flight bound for Dublin Airport (DUB), Ireland, describing the incident as a profound breach of her safety and dignity, Laois Nationalist reported.
The assault occurred mid-air during a Ryanair service from an undisclosed origin, approximately 40 minutes before landing on Thursday. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the accused, Aaron Brady, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the crew member during the inbound flight to Dublin.
This is not the first time that a drunk passenger has caused an incident in Ryanair in recent times. Only a few days ago, a 61-year-old passenger of Ryanair was sentenced to 10 months in prison after his conduct forced the pilot to abort a landing at Bristol Airport (BRS).
Ryanair Flight Attendant Assaulted on the Way to Dublin
The court was informed that the incident occurred inside the aircraft cabin while the flight was cruising toward Dublin Airport, with crew members and passengers in close proximity. The victim stated in her impact testimony that she was “sexually assaulted in a tight and confined space” while performing her duties as cabin crew for Ryanair (FR).
She told the court that the experience shattered her sense of safety and led to her resignation from the airline. She added that she had joined Ryanair out of a passion for aviation but has since been unable to continue flying.
The victim also described long-term psychological effects, stating that she felt a persistent “layer of shame” and continues to struggle with emotional recovery, and was quoted in Laois Nationalist as having said that her path to peace and recover has been “compeltely shattered”:
I was only doing my job when this happened….The road to recovery feels long and unreachable…Life hasn’t been the kindest to me, and what happened is an extra heavy load
Court testimony at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
The court heard that the accused had consumed a significant quantity of alcohol before and during the flight. He reportedly admitted to drinking multiple bottles of wine at the airport and additional mini bottles onboard the aircraft.
Brady pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, telling the court:
I’m really, really sorry, sincerely. I can’t believe it, I’m so sorry for the trauma it has caused you.
His defence counsel stated that the consumption of alcohol was “almost mind-boggling” and contributed to his loss of control. The defence also highlighted his early guilty plea and willingness to compensate the victim for financial losses.
The court was informed that the victim incurred over €3,000 in financial losses, including sick leave and resignation-related costs, which remain under consideration for compensation.
Keith Spencer BL, who was defending Brady, informed the court that his client had set aside €5,000 as a gesture of remorse. Spencer added that the accused was also willing to reimburse the victim’s expenses and could raise an additional €5,000 if granted further time.
Judge Dunphy said he would adjourn the case until June for final resolution, allowing Brady time to settle the costs outlined in the victim impact statement. He further ordered that the initial €5,000 be paid within 24 hours for onward transfer to the woman.
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Cabin Crew and Passenger Safety Concerns in Aviation
The victim’s testimony has renewed discussion on cabin crew safety protocols and passenger accountability during flights. She told the court that the emotional impact extended beyond the incident itself, describing the recovery process as “long and unreachable.”
The accused has reportedly not consumed alcohol for a year and expressed continued remorse. The judge noted that a portion of compensation had been offered, with further payments expected before sentencing finalisation.
Only yesterday, we covered the news of a 52-year old person who was engaged in “non-consensual sexual acts” during journey from Singapore to Perth. A British Airways pilot was also fired after it was found that he ws secretly filming sixteen women (cabin crew from BA and other major carriers) without their consent.
The Final Verdict?
The judge adjourned the case for finalisation, directing that initial compensation be paid within 24 hours. He also allowed the accused to remain on bail, citing the need to ensure restitution for the victim’s losses.
The court thanked the victim for her testimony and stated that proceedings would conclude in a manner that allows both parties to move forward. What is mind-boggling is the amount of alcohol that the accused had consumed
Brady stated that he consumed approximately five bottles of wine with his partner at the airport prior to departure, and may have also drunk between 12 and 15 miniature bottles of alcohol during the flight. A truly staggeing amount!!