Belfast Air Passenger Escapes Custodial Sentence for In-Flight Sexual Assault
A man who sexually assaulted a female passenger seated beside him during a flight to Belfast has been spared immediate imprisonment, receiving instead a community-based sentence. Stephen McClatchey, aged 33, was handed a 10-month probation order at Belfast Magistrates' Court for groping the victim in what was described as an alcohol-fuelled incident.
Details of the Offence and Court Proceedings
The court heard that McClatchey, of Killyglen Road in Larne, County Antrim, admitted to committing sexual assault on September 13, 2024, aboard a flight travelling from London to Belfast City Airport. Prosecutors detailed how McClatchey became loud and disruptive after consuming alcohol during the journey. Cabin crew members intervened, refusing to serve him further drinks as his behaviour towards other passengers grew increasingly inappropriate.
The prosecution lawyer stated: "The female passenger reported that the defendant, without permission, took hold of her breast in his hand and squeezed it." The victim was so distressed by the assault that she remained in her seat until McClatchey had disembarked the aircraft following its arrival in Belfast.
Judicial Criticism and Sentencing Considerations
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay strongly condemned McClatchey's actions during the hearing, labelling them as "outrageous" and "nasty." The judge expressed particular scepticism regarding McClatchey's initial account to police, in which he allegedly claimed the victim had fabricated the story because he showed no interest in her.
"He didn't have any difficulty in telling police she was trying to come on to him," Mr McStay remarked. The judge further noted that the offence was serious enough to potentially warrant a custodial sentence, stating: "It is outrageous to hear, everybody in this court can imagine either being on holiday or a trip that gets disrupted by somebody behaving like this. This is probably the worst possible, most nasty way you can imagine that happening."
Mitigating Factors and Final Sentence
Defence counsel Paul Burns presented mitigating circumstances on behalf of his client, informing the court that McClatchey has little memory of the alcohol-induced incident and has since ceased drinking entirely. The barrister emphasised that the assault was "totally out of character" for McClatchey, who flies frequently for work commitments in England and has no previous or subsequent incidents on record.
Despite the gravity of the offence, Judge McStay ultimately considered McClatchey's previously unblemished record and the recommendations before the court. The sentence imposed includes:
- A 10-month probation order
- Participation in 20 days of rehabilitation activities
- Undergoing 100 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring
- Payment of £500 in compensation to the victim
Police were notified of the assault after the flight landed, but McClatchey had already departed the airport before officers could arrive to apprehend him. The case highlights ongoing concerns about passenger safety and behaviour aboard commercial flights, particularly when alcohol consumption is involved.
