Aer Lingus Transatlantic Flight Forced to Turn Back After Sexual Assault Plea in Court

A man from County Galway has pleaded guilty to sexual assault charges.

The incident occurred on a transatlantic Aer Lingus flight bound for Boston, Massachusetts. The Aer Lingus flight diversion happened on November 15, 2023, following the in-flight assault.

Court Proceedings and Charges

Patrick Noone, 58, a self-employed farmer, entered a Patrick Noone guilty plea at Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday. He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to the assault of a then 16-year-old girl during the transatlantic flight incident.

Mr. Noone admitted to rubbing and grabbing the girl’s buttocks. He also pleaded guilty to kissing her arm and rubbing her thigh. These offenses occurred on board the Aer Lingus flight EI 135. The acts took place while the aircraft was within the jurisdiction of the Irish State.

Counsel for the State noted the guilty plea was offered over two weeks prior. This action helped avoid the need for US-based witnesses to testify via video-link. The court has requested a Probation Report on the defendant. A victim impact statement is also being sought from the complainant.

Operational Impact and Cost

The in-flight sexual assault triggered a swift operational response. Cabin crew immediately informed the captain of the alleged misconduct. The captain then made the decision to turn the Boston-bound plane around. It returned to Shannon Airport (SNN).

This diversion ensured the immediate safety of the passenger. The return to Shannon Airport return carried a significant unruly passenger cost. The expense to Aer Lingus for returning the aircraft was reported as €28,213. Law enforcement met the aircraft upon its arrival at the airport.

Broader Aviation Context

Incidents of aviation safety and security breaches, including sexual assault, are a serious industry concern. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has noted a rise in reports of sexual assault aboard aircraft. The confined nature of air travel presents unique challenges for victims seeking help.

The swift cabin crew response protocol in this case highlights the importance of training. Flight crew members are often the first responders to such incidents. Industry bodies like IATA stress the need for clear guidelines. These guidelines help manage unruly passenger behavior and ensure passenger safety. The successful prosecution under the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act reinforces the legal consequences of in-flight misconduct. This case serves as a strong reminder of the zero-tolerance approach to Air Navigation and Transport Act violations.

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