LUTON- A passenger has been convicted after attempting to sexually assault a child girl under 13 during an EasyJet (U2) flight from Paris (CDG) to Belfast International Airport (BFS). The incident occurred after the man consumed multiple bottles of wine during the journey.
Witnesses and cabin crew intervened during the final stage of the flight as the aircraft approached Belfast International Airport. Testimony later presented in court detailed disruptive behavior, abusive language, and an attempted assault onboard the EasyJet service.
easyJet Passenger Sexually Assault a Child
Ballymena Magistrates Court heard that Ramiz Idrizi, 38, of Woodvale Avenue in Dublin, committed several offences during the EasyJet (U2) flight from Paris (CDG) to Belfast International Airport (BFS) on November 14 last year.
During the four hour hearing, prosecutors said Idrizi had consumed most of five small bottles of wine that he purchased during the journey.
Approximately 30 minutes before landing, the mother of a girl under 13 noticed the defendant repeatedly kicking the seat in front of him.
The court heard that Idrizi then made an inappropriate remark and stated “I’m horny” before reaching between the fuselage and the seat in front of him. He attempted to touch the young girl’s leg, causing her to jump up immediately.
A male passenger seated in the same row as the child’s mother saw what he described as “a flash of a hand” beside the girl’s seat. Recognising that both the mother and child were uncomfortable, the passenger offered to swap seats to protect them.
When he confronted Idrizi about his conduct, the defendant responded with abusive language and told him, “your mother’s a slut.”
Reported by Manchester Evening News, the court also heard testimony about the defendant’s disturbing behaviour earlier in the flight.
Just before the incident, witnesses said Idrizi had been “hacking up phlegm,” while a woman sitting in the aisle seat of the same row said he had been spitting and talking to himself.
Cabin Crew Intervention During Final Approach
Cabin crew were informed of the situation by passengers and responded quickly. The crew announced that alcohol would no longer be served on the aircraft and approached Idrizi to address his behaviour.
Flight attendants asked the defendant to hand over the remaining wine and requested that he move seats. Idrizi refused both requests.
To reduce risk to other passengers, nearby travellers were moved away from his seat instead.
Witnesses told the court that as the aircraft began its descent into Belfast International Airport (BFS), Idrizi was seen punching the interior wall of the aircraft fuselage.
Defendant’s Evidence and Court Verdict
Giving evidence during the hearing, Idrizi admitted that he was intoxicated and acknowledged that he used abusive language toward the other passenger.
However, he denied attempting to touch the young girl. Idrizi told the court that he is six feet tall and claimed the only time he touched the child’s seat was when he grabbed it while standing up. He also denied spitting or hacking up phlegm during the flight.
District Judge Nigel Broderick ruled that the testimony from witnesses and cabin crew members was credible and reliable.
The judge found Idrizi guilty of attempting to sexually assault the child and also convicted him of assault by beating after he attacked the male passenger who intervened. Idrizi was cleared of a separate charge alleging he assaulted a woman.
Bail Granted Ahead of Sentencing
After delivering the guilty verdicts, Judge Broderick stated, “I think in fairness to the defendant, I’m going to get a report.”
The court ordered a pre sentencing report before making a final decision.
Idrizi was released on bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 28, when the judge will determine the final sentence.
The case highlights the serious safety risks associated with intoxicated passengers and the importance of intervention by fellow travellers and cabin crew during disruptive incidents onboard aircraft.
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