A court has heard how a businessman, intoxicated by vodka, allegedly sexually assaulted a flight attendant and attacked other cabin crew members during a British Airways journey from Dubai to London.
Mid-Air Outrage at 39,000 Feet
Murad Sabir, a 42-year-old from Rochdale, was arrested directly on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport following the eight-hour flight on 5 November last year. Prosecutors told Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court that Sabir, who had been drinking vodka throughout the journey, launched into a drunken rage aboard the double-decker Airbus.
Rene de Silva, prosecuting, stated: ‘The defendant was on board drinking vodka throughout the flight. He was intoxicated and committed all the other offences fuelled by his intoxication.’ The prosecutor detailed that the sexual assault involved Sabir touching a cabin crew member's breast over her clothing and putting his arm around her neck.
A Catalogue of Alleged Assaults
The court was told the disturbance did not stop there. It is alleged Sabir then grabbed another crew member by the back of the head. A further colleague reported being hugged by the defendant, while horrified passengers attempted to intervene. One passenger reportedly felt ‘the defendant was going to punch him’.
In total, Sabir faces seven charges. These include one count of sexual assault, three counts of assault by beating, and one count of entering an aircraft when drunk. He is also charged with intentionally interfering with cabin crew duties and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards staff.
Not Guilty Pleas and Bail Conditions
Appearing in court wearing a black jacket, grey trousers, and black loafers, Sabir was represented by lawyer Antonia Attard. Attard informed the court that Sabir will plead not guilty to all offences.
Magistrate Wendy Drinkwater released Sabir on unconditional bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for 3 February at Isleworth Crown Court. She issued a stern warning, stating: ‘If you don’t turn up at your next hearing, you will be committing a separate offence. If you commit any offence while on bail, it will be treated more seriously.’
