A Sri Lankan man has been arrested after getting off a flight to Melbourne and charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger on board.
The accused, 41, alleged committed an act of indecency during the flight from Sri Lanka on Wednesday, and was intercepted by police on arrival at Melbourne Airport.
The Australia Federal Police said the alleged victim told airline staff about the alleged incident, and officers then interviewed passengers and airline staff when the plane touched down.
The man was charged with one count of an act of indecency, contrary to section 60 (1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT), by virtue of section 15 (1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth), an offence which carries a maximum penalty of 7 years’ imprisonment.
He faced Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Thursday were he was granted bail, and is expected to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 9.
AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook said: “When travelling through the airport and when on a plane, people are bound by Australian law and where there is evidence that someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action.
“The AFP is committed to supporting airport staff and aviation partners and will continue to protect travellers while maintaining zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour.”
Header image: Melbourne Airport (Phil Vabre (GFDL or GFDL), via Wikimedia Commons)
