LONDON—A Lithuanian man has been handed a rigorous sentence in the UK after being convicted of sexually harassing a female passenger during a long-haul international flight from New York to London. The judicial outcome sends a clear and strict message regarding passenger safety aboard aircraft.
The incident occurred on January 8, 2025, during the seven-hour flight from Newark, New Jersey, to London’s Heathrow Airport. The 45-year-old defendant, Paulius Kriela Vicius, was found to have persistently harassed the female passenger, causing her continuous distress. Following her complaint, the victim was moved to another seat for her safety.
According to British media reports, Kriela Vicius was immediately detained upon the flight’s arrival at Heathrow. The case proceeded to the Crown Court, where, following extensive deliberation and review of evidence, the judge ruled against the defendant.
The judge imposed a unique and demanding Community Order instead of immediate imprisonment:
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Unpaid Work: The defendant must perform 100 hours of unpaid work in the community.
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Rehabilitation: He is required to participate in rehabilitation activities for 25 consecutive days.
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Compensation: He must pay £500 (Five Hundred Pounds Sterling) in compensation to the affected woman.
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Strict Supervision: A particularly strict component of the sentence requires the defendant to notify the police of all his activities and changes of address for the next 10 years.
The ruling is being viewed as a testament to the court’s commitment to addressing in-flight harassment seriously and delivering penalties that reflect the severity of violating the personal space and safety of travelers.
