Passenger cleared of sexual assault on cabin crew member
A passenger accused of molesting an air stewardess on a flight to London has been cleared of sexual assault at the Old Bailey.
Polish national Artur Niewolik had pleaded not guilty to the charge and to an alternative charge of assault by beating and of being drunk on the flight.
The 37-year-old was accused of touching the stewardess’ waist from behind then whispering ‘nice legs’ as she served drinks in the aisle.
The alleged incident happened when he got up to use the toilet during the hour-long flight from Dublin to Gatwick.
In his defence, Niewolik said he had only touched the flight attendant as he tried to pass her in the aisle.
He was arrested when the flight landed by an officer who described Niewolik as ‘clearly drunk’, but after a half-day of deliberations, the Old Bailey jury cleared him of all charges.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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