Ryanair cabin crew member sexually assaulted by passenger who consumed 'mind boggling' amount of drink

A 31-year-old man from Killeshandra, County Cavan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting a Ryanair cabin crew member during a flight to Dublin Airport. The assault occurred approximately 40 minutes before landing while the woman was on break in the rear galley. The defendant had consumed substantial quantities of alcohol before and during the flight, including around five bottles of wine at the airport and between 12 and 15 mini bottles in-flight. The woman delivered a victim impact statement describing how the incident had shattered her sense of safety, leading to her resignation from employment she valued. She outlined financial losses exceeding €3,000 and ongoing psychological difficulties. Judge Jonathan Dunphy adjourned the case to June for finalisation, directing the defendant to pay €5,000 within 24 hours as a gesture of remorse and to address the woman's documented expenses. The defendant was remanded on continuing bail to enable him to work. The judge noted the defendant is subject to a lifetime ban from Ryanair.