A businessman who touched himself inappropriately on a flight back to Scotland has been banned from flying with British Airways for two decades. Gordon Alexander Christie, 66, was travelling with his wife and daughter in April last year when he consumed whisky, white wine, champagne, and a Bloody Mary before committing the offence.
Court Proceedings
The entrepreneur, who owns several small enterprises including a caravan site in the Scottish Highlands, denied the charge but was convicted of outraging public decency. Appearing at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court, he wore a light blue suit jacket over a white shirt and a chequered tie, accompanied by his wife and son-in-law.
District Judge Kathryn Verghis found Christie's behaviour on April 16 last year to be 'sexualised' as he 'fondled' himself both inside and outside his clothes. She added that the Scotsman, who also heads his local village association in Fochabers, was intoxicated at the time of the 'prolonged and disgusting' offence.
Defence Argument
Dawn Burrows, defending, claimed Christie 'disputes that there is a sexual element' and maintained he was 'suffering from an itch'. She noted she had 'seen the videos many times'. The court heard that a fellow passenger filmed the incident, providing 12 clips, but did not report it immediately due to being 'fearful during the flight such that he did not go to sleep'.
Mrs Burrows told the court Christie was 'remorseful' and 'mortified that at his age he finds himself before the court', adding that his 'good character has been lost'. She stated: 'He maintains that he was unaware of what he was doing. He accepts that it is serious, but he does not accept that this is sexual in nature.'
Judge's Verdict
Judge Verghis dismissed the defence, saying: 'I don't accept the defence that it was out of irritation and discomfort.' She told the pensioner: 'You have persisted with a case that was not remotely viable given the overwhelming evidence.' The judge added that Christie demonstrated a 'lack of insight into the impact of his behaviour' and remarked: 'I make the point again that this was a prolonged and disgusting incident on an aircraft where no one could have felt safe.'
She concluded: 'You get no credit because you were convicted at trial. I take into account your age, health issues, and previous good character, however, I consider this matter so serious that only custody can be considered. But given what I know about you, I consider this can be suspended.'
Sentence
Christie was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was ordered to serve 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirements, which in Scottish law translates to six months' supervision, along with costs of £650 and a victim surcharge of £154. The court also heard he has been placed on a no-fly list by British Airways for 20 years, meaning he will be 86 before he can travel with the airline again. Christie, of Fochabers in the Scottish Highlands, has no previous convictions.
