DUBLIN— A court in Ireland has heard details of a serious mid-air incident in which a female cabin crew member working for Ryanair (FR) was sexually assaulted during a flight bound for Dublin Airport (DUB). The case has raised renewed concerns about onboard safety and crew protection.

The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told that the incident took place approximately 40 minutes before landing, inside the confined space of the aircraft cabin.

The victim later described the experience as deeply distressing, stating that it had permanently affected her sense of safety and forced her to leave her aviation career.

Ryanair Mid-Air Assault Case

The accused, identified as 31-year-old Aaron Brady from County Cavan, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the crew member during the inbound flight. The court heard that the assault occurred while the victim was performing her duties, surrounded by colleagues and passengers.

In her victim impact statement, the woman explained that she was “only doing her job” when the incident occurred.

According to Laois Nationalist, she described feeling humiliated and emotionally shaken, adding that her recovery process remains ongoing and difficult.

The court also noted that the confined nature of an aircraft cabin intensified the trauma. The victim stated that the incident left her with a lingering sense of shame and discomfort, significantly affecting her personal and professional life.

Alcohol Consumption Factor

During proceedings, Brady admitted to consuming a substantial amount of alcohol before and during the flight.

He told the court he drank around five bottles of wine at the airport prior to boarding and between 12 and 15 miniature bottles while onboard.

The defense described the level of alcohol intake as extreme and highlighted that Brady has since taken steps to address his drinking problem. He claimed to have abstained from alcohol for the past year and expressed remorse, stating the incident was out of character.

Despite his apology, the court emphasized the seriousness of the offense and its lasting impact on the victim.

The judge also questioned the airline’s ban on Brady, noting that while the defendant believed it was five years, it is understood to be a lifetime restriction.

Financial Impact Noted

The court heard that the victim suffered financial losses exceeding €3,000 due to the incident. These included unpaid leave, voluntary absences, and her eventual resignation from Ryanair.

The prosecution confirmed that the victim bore these costs personally, raising concerns about support systems for affected airline staff. The defense indicated that Brady has offered €5,000 as compensation and is willing to cover additional expenses over time.

Judge Jonathan Dunphy adjourned the case until June to allow for financial restitution to be addressed. He ordered that the initial €5,000 be paid within 24 hours and allowed Brady to remain on bail so he could continue working and compensate the victim.

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