A transatlantic flight bound for the United States was compelled to make a dramatic U-turn and return to Ireland after a teenage passenger reported being sexually assaulted by the man seated beside her. The disturbing mid-air incident has led to a guilty plea from the perpetrator and exposed significant costs incurred by the airline.
Farmer Admits Guilt in Mid-Air Assault Case
Patrick Noone, a 58-year-old self-employed farmer from Curragh in County Galway, has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault committed during the Aer Lingus flight. The incident occurred on November 15, 2023, as the aircraft was en route from Ireland to Boston, Massachusetts.
Flight Diverts Back to Shannon Airport
The assault unfolded approximately one hour into the journey when the then 16-year-old girl informed cabin crew that her seatmate had touched her inappropriately. Following this report, flight staff immediately alerted the captain, who made the decisive choice to abandon the transatlantic crossing and return the aircraft to Shannon Airport in Ireland.
This diversion proved extremely costly for Aer Lingus, with Officer Ruth O'Sullivan informing the court that returning the Boston-bound aircraft to Shannon incurred expenses of approximately £24,000.
Details of the Assault Emerge in Court
During proceedings at Ennis Circuit Court, Noone admitted to specific acts of sexual assault that occurred while the flight remained within Irish jurisdiction. His guilty plea covered:
- Rubbing and grabbing the girl's buttocks
- Kissing her arm without consent
- Inappropriately rubbing her thigh
Judge Francis Comerford presided over the hearing where Noone's defence counsel, Antoinette Simon BL, revealed her client had no previous criminal convictions. She requested a probation report ahead of sentencing, suggesting it might provide insight into the factors behind his offending behaviour.
Victim Impact Statement Ordered
Judge Comerford granted the request for a probation report and additionally ordered Irish police to obtain a victim impact statement from the complainant, who is now 18 years old and studying at a college in the United States.
The judge also determined there was no basis for imposing reporting restrictions on the accused, allowing Noone's identity to be publicly revealed for the first time in connection with the case.
Witness Arrangements and Case Progression
Arrangements had been established as early as December for witnesses based in the United States to provide evidence via video-link during the trial. These witnesses included the teenager's grandmother and two other women who were passengers on the flight during the assault.
The case was initially heard in district court, where Judge Alec Gabbett transferred proceedings to the circuit court after hearing an outline of the allegations. This transfer means Noone now faces potentially more serious penalties upon conviction in the higher court.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about passenger safety during air travel and the significant operational disruptions that can result from criminal behaviour aboard aircraft. The case continues as the court awaits sentencing following the completion of probation reports and victim impact statements.
