A woman sexually assaulted on a flight from Doha to Gatwick has been denied compensation because the plane was not registered in Britain. The victim, a Londoner in her 20s, is now preparing a legal challenge against the government.
The assault occurred in September last year when 66-year-old Momade Jussab, sitting next to her, put his hands down her trousers after the cabin lights were switched off. Jussab was arrested upon landing at Gatwick and jailed for six-and-a-half years in May for sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.
The victim, referred to in legal proceedings as Kelly, applied for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CIC) but was told the incident could not be covered because it took place on a foreign-registered aircraft. She has now instructed solicitors from Leigh Day to challenge the decision.
In a letter to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Kelly said: 'I do not understand why I, and other victims like me, have been excluded from the CIC Scheme. I was attacked on a flight en-route to the UK, I am a UK citizen, and this crime was investigated and prosecuted by British authorities. I should be entitled to compensation.'
Claire Powell, a solicitor at Leigh Day, highlighted a 'gap' between the criminal justice system and the compensation scheme. She said: 'It is a gap that needs closing urgently and we trust the justice secretary will agree, particularly in light of this government’s commitment to addressing violence against women and girls.'
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts remain with this victim, and we remain resolute in our mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. The rules that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority follows, and the values of payments for injuries, are set by parliament. Other routes are available for victims to receive support.'
