Melbourne: Police warn passengers after 71yo arrested for alleged in-flight indecent assault
Crew aboard a flight from Los Angeles to Australia engaged the Australian Federal Police from the air after a man allegedly indecently assaulted a female passenger while she tried to sleep.
A 71-year-old Melbourne man was arrested soon after the plane touched down on Tuesday and was subsequently charged with committing an act of indecency without consent, which can carry a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.
He will face Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The woman spoke to the airline crew during the flight and reported that the man had allegedly touched her inappropriately and reached inside her clothes while she tried to sleep.
Crew members immediately moved the woman to a different seat for the remainder of the flight and alerted the AFP, who were waiting to interview the man and witnesses once the flight landed..
AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook said the AFP take any allegation of inappropriate or criminal behaviour on land or in the air very seriously.
“Every traveller on an aircraft should be able to feel safe from harm and should be confident that the AFP always takes action when we receive reports of alleged crime,” Det. Supt Cook said.
“As passenger numbers rise for the busy school holiday period, I’d also like to remind passengers that being in the air does not alleviate the consequences of alleged illegal behaviour.”
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028.
