A Belarusian national appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday (27 February, 2023) charged with indecent assault.
The man, 61, was travelling on a flight from Malaysia to Adelaide when he allegedly indecently assaulted a fellow passenger.
The passenger alerted airline staff to the alleged incident and AFP officers attended on the plane's arrival at Adelaide Airport on Sunday (26 February, 2023).
AFP officers investigated and charged the man with one count of an act of indecency without consent, contrary to section 60(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT), an offence as applied by section 15(1) of Crimes Aviation Act 1991 (Cth).
He was granted bail during a court hearing yesterday and is due to re-appear in court on 6 March, 2023.
AFP Acting Superintendent Paul Everingham said all travellers had the right to feel safe and should not be subjected to offensive behaviour.
"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," he said.
"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 behavior."
If you require a police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information, please call the AFP's Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
