Couple Convicted of Public Decency Offense After In-Flight Sex Act on EasyJet Flight

Two individuals, Bradley Smith, aged 22, and Antonia Sullivan, aged 20, have found themselves convicted for engaging in a sex act during a flight in front of fellow passengers.

The Incident Unfolded

The pair, hailing from Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales, were on an easyJet flight returning to Bristol from a holiday in Tenerife, Spain, on the morning of March 3. The flight was packed, and only moments after take-off, Smith was reportedly heard making indecent propositions to Sullivan.

The Disruption on Board

Sitting in 16B, Sullivan proceeded to rearrange coats on Smith's lap, who was seated by the window in 16A. This act was met with disbelief by fellow passengers, and the inappropriate behavior did not go unnoticed.

Reporting the Incident

Concerned about the couple's conduct, their neighbour in 16C promptly reported the matter to the cabin crew. The prosecutor, Maree Doyle, presented the details of the incident before Bristol magistrates’ court. The court heard how the witness could clearly see the couple's actions, which were shielded from view by the coats.

Public Disturbance

Doyle further highlighted the distress caused by the couple's behavior, mentioning that a mother and teenage daughter sitting behind them were also able to see the indecent act. The situation escalated to a point where the teenager voiced her discomfort to her mother, leading to a formal complaint.

The Aftermath

Despite Sullivan's insistence to flight attendants that she was merely rubbing Smith's leg, both individuals were eventually escorted from the flight upon arrival in Bristol by police and an easyJet manager.

Pleading Guilty

On a subsequent Thursday, the couple pleaded guilty to a single charge of outraging public decency by engaging in a sexual act in a public place.

Sentencing

During the sentencing, Judge Lynne Matthews expressed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the disregard the couple showed for the feelings of other passengers, particularly a child who was exposed to their actions. Smith was handed a sentence of 300 hours of community work, while Sullivan, who works as a full-time care worker, was ordered to complete 270 hours. In addition, both individuals were required to pay £100 in compensation to each of the three witnesses who were affected by their behavior.

An easyJet spokesperson confirmed the intervention of law enforcement upon the flight's arrival, attributing it to the behavior exhibited by the two passengers onboard.