High Court Dismisses Appeal
Lee Ryan, the 43-year-old frontman of the boy band Blue, has lost a High Court challenge against his conviction for a racially aggravated assault on a British Airways flight attendant. The incident occurred in July 2022 on a flight from Glasgow to London City Airport.
Ryan, who had consumed an entire bottle of port before boarding, was described as 'slurring his words and staggering around' during the flight. After being refused additional alcohol and told to return to his seat, he made offensive comments about flight attendant Leah Gordon's appearance, calling her a 'chocolate cookie' before grabbing her wrists.
Conviction and Sentencing
In September 2023, Ryan was convicted at Isleworth Crown Court of racially aggravated assault and behaving in an abusive manner towards a cabin crew member. He received a 12-month suspended prison sentence. The court found that his actions were motivated by racial prejudice.
Ryan subsequently sought to appeal his convictions at the Crown Court, but the appeal was partially dismissed. A Crown Court judge later refused to refer the case to the High Court, deeming the application frivolous.
Legal Challenge Fails
Undeterred, Ryan brought a further challenge to the High Court, arguing that his conviction was unsafe. However, the High Court rejected his bid, upholding the original verdict. The judge noted that there was no arguable basis for the appeal and that the conviction was sound.
According to court documents, Ryan's behaviour on the flight was 'unacceptable and demeaning' to the victim. The High Court's decision brings an end to Ryan's legal attempts to overturn the conviction.
