An Indian national has been found guilty of an unprovoked attack on a worker at Perth Airport last month (February, 2025) and ordered to pay the victim $7500 in compensation.
The man, 43, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on 6 March, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to one count of common assault, contrary to section 313(1)(b) of the Criminal Code Compilation Act (WA).
The court ordered he pay $7500 compensation and imposed a term of seven months and 15 days' imprisonment to apply until the compensation is paid. The man was also given a spent conviction order.
The AFP charged the man after an incident on 25 February, 2025, in which he became aggressive while waiting to check in for a flight to Bali. A female worker then told him he would not be permitted to travel because of his behaviour.
The man initially left the area but returned, jumped over a check-in counter and slapped the worker to the face. He then grabbed her by the throat, pulled her to the ground and kicked her.
Two members of the public intervened to subdue the man until AFP officers - who were on patrol nearby - placed him in custody.
The female worker needed medical attention for minor injuries received during the incident.
The man had first appeared in court on 26 February, 2025, and the matter was adjourned until 6 March.
AFP Acting Superintendent Aviation Shona Davis said the AFP had a zero-tolerance policy to violent or abusive behaviour towards workers or any travellers inside airport precincts.
"No one should go to work and be subjected to violence or aggression," a/Supt Davis said.
"The AFP is committed to working closely with all our partners in the airline industry to intervene if anyone's behaviour interferes with the safety of staff, visitors and passengers in or around the airport.
"The AFP will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law and poor behaviour will not be tolerated at airports."
