South African diplomat convicted of assaulting a flight attendant

Airline Industry Information, Oct 23, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

A South African diplomat has been convicted of indecently assaulting a South African Airways cabin crew member.

The 45-year-old man has been sentenced to a fine of ZAR3,000 or six months imprisonment for indecently assaulting a flight attendant during a flight to London, UK from Johannesburg on 6 May 2002. The man is said to have sworn at the woman and called her names after walking around the aircraft demanding a drink and a cigarette.

The flight attendant, who was traumatised by the incident, is expected to file a civil suit for damages, medical expenses and loss of income, reported The Star.

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