School teacher who sexually assaulted Ryanair stewardess on flight to Edinburgh avoids jail

An Italian school teacher, Sebastian Russo, has avoided jail after sexually assaulting a Ryanair stewardess on a flight to Edinburgh. The 39-year-old touched the cabin crew member on the behind as the plane was landing at Edinburgh Airport. Russo, who is an Italian national and works as a science teacher in the Czech Republic, was fined and placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Russo pleaded guilty to the assault at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. His lawyer, Anna Mackay, explained that he had been drinking alcohol on the flight and committed the assault while the stewardess was attending to another passenger. Mackay stated that Russo was “absolutely mortified” at his actions and is expecting his first child with his partner.

During sentencing, Sheriff John Cook fined Russo £940 and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register for five years. The Sheriff noted the aggravating factors of the assault taking place in the victim’s workplace and on an aircraft. Despite the fleeting nature of the contact, the stewardess was able to continue her duties despite feeling stressed.

The incident occurred on a flight from Krakow, Poland, to Edinburgh on December 21 last year. Russo admitted to placing his hand on the stewardess’s buttocks without her consent. The court heard that the assault was brief, described as a firm touch but not a grab. Police arrested Russo upon landing at Edinburgh Airport.

The Crown accepted Russo’s plea on the sexual assault charge, while other charges of disorderly conduct and being drunk on board were dropped. Russo’s actions were condemned by the court, leading to fines and being placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries and the consequences of inappropriate behaviour, especially in professional settings. It also highlights the significance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their background or profession. Such incidents underline the need for stringent measures to prevent and address sexual assault and harassment in all environments.