Media Release
NT man sentenced for indecent assault on fellow passenger during domestic flight
A Northern Territory man who indecently assaulted a fellow passenger on an interstate flight has this week (6 May, 2025) been sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment.
The sentence handed down in the Local Darwin Court was backdated to October, 2024, when the man, 52, was charged and taken into custody. The court ordered him to be released from custody this week to serve the remainder of the term on a recognizance order of $2000 and conditions to be of good behaviour for two years.
The AFP charged the Katherine man after investigating the incident, which happened on a flight from Brisbane to Darwin on 14 October, 2024.
The man behaved in a sexual manner towards a female passenger seated near him before placing his hand between her thighs.
The passenger sought help from airline staff and was subsequently moved to another seat. Airline staff monitored the man for the remainder of the flight and alerted the AFP.
AFP officers at Darwin Airport met the plane on its arrival and escorted the man from the aircraft for questioning.
After further investigation, the man was charged and pleaded guilty to one count of an act of indecency in the third degree on an aircraft, contrary to section 59(1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth) and section 15(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT).
AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the AFP had a zero tolerance for criminal behaviour on aircraft or within Australian airports.
“All passengers and airline staff have the right to feel safe and it would be particularly frightening to be trapped in a confined space in the air with someone behaving badly,” Supt Davis said.
“Travellers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly.”
Stop and think. A safe journey starts with you.
Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports. That's why the AFP is asking you to adopt the; "See it. Hear it. Report it." approach.
Behaviours to report include:
- Taking photos of security cameras, screening, or perimeter fencing
- Avoiding screening
- Leaving bags unattended
- Loitering
- Concealing identity
- Exhibiting erratic behaviour
If you see it or hear it, report it to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
