A 50-year-old Sydney man appeared before Downing Centre Local Court on 22 July 2024 following charges of alleged indecency onboard an international flight.
AFP Acting Sydney Airport Police Commander Dom Stephenson emphasised the importance of safety for all travellers, asserting that offensive behaviour would not be tolerated.
“When travelling through the airport and when on a plane, people are bound by Australian law and where there is evidence that someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action.”
The incident occurred on a flight from Dubai to Sydney, where the man allegedly harassed a fellow passenger. The distressed passenger promptly alerted the airline crew, who then informed the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Upon the aircraft’s arrival at Sydney Airport on 27 April 2024, AFP officers boarded the plane and conducted an investigation. This included interviewing passengers and the airline crew to gather evidence.
On 10 June 2024, the accused attended the AFP office at Sydney Airport and was issued a court attendance notice. He is facing one count of an act of indecency without consent, in violation of section 60(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT).
Det. A/Supt Stephenson added: “The AFP is committed to supporting airport staff and aviation partners and will continue to protect law-abiding Australians while maintaining zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour.”
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism.
