CD
January 8, 2003, 10:51 AM
JUDGE BARS GROPER FROM AIRLINE
LIFETIME BAN BELIEVED TO BE THE FIRST: COPS
In a precedent-setting ruling, an Etobicoke man has been banned for life from flying on Skyservice jets after he was convicted of taunting and groping a flight attendant.
Mr. Justice John Robinson also placed Steven Newman, 45, of Kipling Ave., on 12 months probation on Monday and ordered him to undergo drug and alcohol counselling, Peel police said yesterday.
"We believe this is precedent-setting for travellers on future flights," said Const. Steve Rowland, of Peel's airport detachment. "I am not aware of anyone being banned for life from flying on an airline."
Rowland said the incident occurred in January 2001. A Toronto flight attendant was sexually assaulted on a four-hour flight from Toronto to Mexico.
Newman had to find another carrier to return him to Toronto after Skyservice refused to honour his ticket. He was charged by Peel Police when he returned from Mexico.
Rowland said the 24-year-old attendant was working her first flight when she was attacked.
"She was stunned and shocked," he said, and she has since left the job. "She is pretty scared and shook up."
OPENLY FONDLED HER
Court heard Newman taunted the woman on the flight. At one point he went behind her as she was pushing the service cart and fondled her buttocks, breasts, legs and groin.
Another passenger screamed at Newman to get his hands off the attendant, police said.
"This type of offence will be treated with zero-tolerance by police," Rowland said. "The courts take these crimes very seriously."
Skyservice spokesman Sheryn Posen said the man's name will be entered in a computer system and will be banned from future flights.
"We are pleased with the court's decision," Posen said.
Capt. Kent Hardisty, of the Air Line Pilots Association, said his group has been calling for a global database to blacklist all repeatedly unruly passengers from flights.
LIFETIME BAN BELIEVED TO BE THE FIRST: COPS
In a precedent-setting ruling, an Etobicoke man has been banned for life from flying on Skyservice jets after he was convicted of taunting and groping a flight attendant.
Mr. Justice John Robinson also placed Steven Newman, 45, of Kipling Ave., on 12 months probation on Monday and ordered him to undergo drug and alcohol counselling, Peel police said yesterday.
"We believe this is precedent-setting for travellers on future flights," said Const. Steve Rowland, of Peel's airport detachment. "I am not aware of anyone being banned for life from flying on an airline."
Rowland said the incident occurred in January 2001. A Toronto flight attendant was sexually assaulted on a four-hour flight from Toronto to Mexico.
Newman had to find another carrier to return him to Toronto after Skyservice refused to honour his ticket. He was charged by Peel Police when he returned from Mexico.
Rowland said the 24-year-old attendant was working her first flight when she was attacked.
"She was stunned and shocked," he said, and she has since left the job. "She is pretty scared and shook up."
OPENLY FONDLED HER
Court heard Newman taunted the woman on the flight. At one point he went behind her as she was pushing the service cart and fondled her buttocks, breasts, legs and groin.
Another passenger screamed at Newman to get his hands off the attendant, police said.
"This type of offence will be treated with zero-tolerance by police," Rowland said. "The courts take these crimes very seriously."
Skyservice spokesman Sheryn Posen said the man's name will be entered in a computer system and will be banned from future flights.
"We are pleased with the court's decision," Posen said.
Capt. Kent Hardisty, of the Air Line Pilots Association, said his group has been calling for a global database to blacklist all repeatedly unruly passengers from flights.