In a disturbing mid-air incident, a transatlantic Aer Lingus flight was compelled to make an emergency return to Shannon Airport after a teenage passenger reported being sexually assaulted by a male traveller seated beside her. The flight, originally en route to Boston, was diverted following immediate intervention by cabin crew and the captain, underscoring the serious protocols activated in response to onboard crimes.
Court Proceedings Reveal Guilty Plea
At Ennis Circuit Court, Patrick Noone, a 58-year-old farmer from Curragh, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, County Galway, entered a guilty plea to two counts of sexual assault. The charges relate to offences committed on November 15th, 2023, aboard Aer Lingus flight EI 135, which falls under Irish jurisdiction. Noone admitted to inappropriately touching the then 16-year-old girl by rubbing and grabbing her buttocks, as well as kissing her arm and rubbing her thigh during the journey.
Immediate Response and Investigation
The incident unfolded approximately one hour into the transatlantic flight, around 3:30 PM, when the young girl alerted cabin crew members. They promptly informed the captain, who made the decisive call to turn the aircraft back towards Shannon Airport. This swift action facilitated a rapid law enforcement response upon landing.
Detective Garda Ruth O'Sullivan provided details in court, noting that the girl and her family provided statements at Shannon Airport during a brief turnaround before continuing their journey to the United States. The financial cost to Aer Lingus for diverting the Boston-bound plane was quantified at €28,213, highlighting the operational impact of such serious disruptions.
Legal Developments and Sentencing Considerations
Defence counsel Antoinette Simon BL informed the court that her client, Patrick Noone, is a self-employed farmer with no prior convictions. She requested a Probation Report to offer insights into his offending behaviour ahead of the sentencing hearing. Judge Francis Comerford granted this request and also directed Gardaí to obtain a victim impact statement from the complainant.
State counsel Sarah Jane Comerford BL confirmed that there is no prior connection between Noone and the victim. She noted that the guilty plea was offered more than two weeks prior, which provided some procedural assistance as arrangements had been made for US-based witnesses, including the complainant, to give evidence via video-link. The complainant, now aged 18 and studying at a US college, was among four witnesses granted permission to testify remotely.
Judicial Commentary and Case History
Judge Comerford stated that he saw no basis for imposing reporting restrictions on the accused, allowing Noone's identity to be publicly disclosed. The case was initially heard in the district court, where Judge Alec Gabbett transferred it to the circuit court due to the severity of the allegations and the more substantial penalties applicable upon conviction.
This incident highlights the critical importance of robust safety protocols on commercial flights and the legal processes that follow airborne offences. The case continues to develop as the court awaits further reports before proceeding to sentencing.
