Perth, April 14: A 52-year-old Indian national is due to face Perth Magistrates Court today, April 14, after being charged over the alleged sexual assault of a female passenger on an international flight to Western Australia.
The Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police Force will allege the incident happened on a flight from Singapore to Perth on April 13.
According to authorities, the woman sought help from airline staff during the flight and was later moved to another seat.
Airline staff monitored the man for the rest of the journey and alerted the AFP, which met the aircraft on arrival at Perth Airport. He was then escorted from the plane for questioning.
The AFP and WA Police Sex Assault Squad are jointly investigating the alleged incident.
The man has been charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent, under the Crimes (Aviation) Act (Cth) and Crimes Act 1900 (ACT), which carries a maximum penalty of 12 years’ imprisonment. He has also been charged with three counts of an act of indecency without consent, each carrying a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
AFP Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal said the AFP had a zero tolerance for criminal behaviour on aircraft or within Australian airports.
“Every passenger has the right to feel safe when travelling, especially when confined in an aircraft close to other passengers,” a/Supt Brindal said.
“Anyone subjected to unwanted contact is encouraged to alert the authorities, be it airline staff, the AFP or airport security, as soon as it is safely possible to do so.
“No act of indecency on an aircraft or at an airport is appropriate, and any travellers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly.”
Authorities also reminded travellers to report suspicious behaviour through Airport Watch on 131 237, under the “See it. Hear it. Report it.” campaign.
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