A couple from Wales have been convicted of outraging public decency after performing a sex act on a packed easyJet flight from Tenerife to Bristol.
Bradley Smith, 22, and Antonia Sullivan, 20, both of Rhondda Cynon Taf, pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The incident occurred on March 3, shortly after take-off.
Smith was heard asking Sullivan to “w*** me off” before she arranged coats over his lap.
The pair appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court
PA
Three passengers, including a mother and her teenage daughter, witnessed “vigorous hand movements” beneath the coats. The teenager reportedly told her mother: “I can see his bits”.
Prosecutor Maree Doyle told the court: “After a few minutes the witness was aware that the couple had re-arranged some coats over Smith’s lap and there followed vigorous hand movements beneath the coat.”
Sullivan initially claimed she was merely rubbing her boyfriend’s leg. However, the couple were escorted off the plane by police upon landing.
Judge Lynne Matthews admonished the pair, saying: “You had no regard for the feelings of other passengers.”
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Judge Lynne Matthews admonished the pair
PA
Judge Matthews continued: “There was a child sitting behind you who was able to see what was happening. Who do you think you are and what right do you think entitled you to behave in that way in full view of people on that flight?”
Both pleaded guilty to one count of outraging public decency by committing a sexual act in a public place.
Smith was ordered to complete 300 hours of community work, while Sullivan received 270 hours. Both were instructed to pay £100 compensation to each of the three witnesses.
An easyJet spokesperson confirmed: “This flight to Bristol was met by police on arrival, due to the behaviour of two passengers onboard.”
It comes as controversial Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary recently highlighted Ibiza as the “worst” destination for unruly passengers.
The airline has observed a significant increase in incidents related to alcohol and drug use, which have become primary concerns for cabin crew.