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Passenger Who Groped Woman on Belfast Flight Given 10-Month Probation

Judicial condemnation of the alcohol‑fuelled assault resulted in a community sentence based on a previously clean record.

Overview

  • Stephen McClatchey, 33, admitted sexually assaulting the woman beside him on a London‑to‑Belfast flight on September 13, 2024.
  • Belfast Magistrates’ Court imposed a 10‑month probation order with 20 days of rehabilitation, 100 days of alcohol‑abstinence monitoring, and £500 compensation to the victim.
  • Deputy District Judge Liam McStay described the conduct as "outrageous" and said the offence could have justified custody.
  • The court heard he became loud and disruptive after drinking on board, leading cabin crew to stop serving him alcohol.
  • In police interviews he initially disputed the allegation; his counsel said he recalls little of the incident, has stopped drinking, and is remorseful.