A drunk passenger who exposed herself on a flight has cost TUI £20,000 after the plane was diverted to Manchester. Sarah Parker, 30, from Halifax, pleaded guilty to outraging public decency and admitted being drunk on a plane and failing to comply with the pilot's instructions.
Incident on Birmingham to Florida flight
The incident occurred on July 24, 2025, when Parker got out of her seat to go to the toilet during take-off from Birmingham Airport. Cabin crew reminded her of the rules, but she pulled down her shorts and underwear in the aisle in view of other passengers, a court heard. The plane was on its way to Florida and had to be diverted to Manchester. She was travelling to Melbourne, Australia.
A charge document said Parker behaved in an indecent manner by "pulling down her shorts and underwear, squatting and exposing her vagina in full view of other passengers." It added that she "failed to obey a lawful command, namely sitting in her seat after being instructed to do so and making her way to the toilet."
Court proceedings and sentencing
Prosecuting counsel Edward Downes told magistrates on Tuesday (November 3) that Parker's behaviour distressed other passengers. He said: "The defendant was intoxicated on the flight from Birmingham in the UK to Florida in the US. Her behaviour was distressing to passengers causing danger. She was exposing her genitals in view of the passengers. The flight had to be diverted to Manchester Airport. The disruption was extensive. The financial loss was £20,000."
District judge Simon Blakebrough told Parker: "Exposing yourself on a plane full of passengers is quite serious." Magistrates in Manchester said their sentencing powers were not sufficient and committed the case to the Crown Court. Parker's sentencing is expected to take place at Minshull Crown Court on December 1.
