A married father-of-two has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl during a British Airways long-haul flight, in a disturbing case that has raised serious questions about passenger safety at 35,000 feet.
Anthony John William Mackinnon, a 40-year-old recruitment consultant from Berkshire, preyed on the vulnerable 18-year-old during the overnight journey from Phoenix to London Heathrow. The court heard how the predator exploited the darkness of the cabin to carry out his assault while other passengers slept.
The Disturbing Mid-Air Ordeal
Prosecutors detailed how Mackinnon, seated beside his unsuspecting victim, engaged her in conversation before the assault began. As the cabin lights dimmed and travellers drifted to sleep, the married father launched his attack, repeatedly touching the young woman inappropriately despite her clear objections.
The victim bravely testified that she repeatedly told Mackinnon to stop and even attempted to physically push him away. Despite her clear resistance, the assault continued throughout the flight, leaving the young woman traumatised and fearful.
Swift Justice at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court
Mackinnon was convicted of sexual assault following a thorough investigation and trial at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court. The court heard compelling evidence from both the victim and flight crew members who became aware of the incident.
District Judge Deborah Wright condemned Mackinnon's actions, stating he had shown "a complete lack of respect for the victim's personal boundaries" and had exploited the confined aircraft environment to his advantage.
Industry-Wide Implications for Passenger Safety
This case has sparked renewed discussions about passenger safety aboard commercial flights, particularly concerning vulnerable travellers. Aviation security experts are calling for enhanced crew training and clearer protocols for handling such incidents mid-flight.
A British Airways spokesperson confirmed the airline had fully cooperated with authorities and emphasised their zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment aboard their aircraft.
Mackinnon now awaits sentencing, facing the very real prospect of imprisonment and registration as a sex offender for his predatory actions above the clouds.
