UK: Indian assaulted sleeping woman on Mumbai-Manchester flight; jailed
Women aren't safe anywhere. Not in homes, on streets, or even flights. Case in point: This unsettling incident that happened with a woman in a flight, bound for Manchester from Mumbai. While she was sleeping, an Indian sexually assaulted her. The accused, identified as Hardeep Singh, has now been jailed for 12 months by Minshull Street Crown Court. Here's what went down.
Singh got a tourist visa, sat next to victim
36-year-old Singh, a resident of Hoshiarpur, got a tourist visa for six months. On February 23, he boarded the flight from Mumbai and was given the seat next to the victim. According to the victim, who is in her 20s, Singh initially tried to talk to her. He kept pestering her, but she wasn't comfortable as Singh's English wasn't good.
With his actions, Singh ensured the woman's flight turned horrific
Singh asked the victim if the woman sitting next to her was her mother. While she was watching a movie, Singh removed her earphones and tried to talk to her again. When the victim got up to use the facilities, Singh refused to move aside. She couldn't get past the aisle comfortably, "forcing her to squeeze past him". Later, he assaulted her.
Singh waited for passengers to sleep, assaulted the victim
When the lights went out and most of the passengers slept under their blankets, Singh forced himself on the victim. He pinned the woman down and tried to kiss her. The assault went on for 15 minutes. "Singh subjected her to a prolonged sexual assault, forcibly restraining her when she tried to move away," said Detective Constable Catherine Evans of Greater Manchester Police.
Woman managed to overpower Singh and inform crew
Calling Singh's act "despicable", Evans added, "Numbed with fear, it was only after she summoned the strength to overpower him that she was able to run away and raise the alarm."
Initially, Singh denied allegations, but pleaded guilty later
For the rest of the flight, Singh was moved away from the woman. When the plane landed at Manchester Airport, local police arrested him. Initially, he denied the allegations but pleaded guilty to three counts during his hearing. He will be deported to India after finishing his sentence. Evans said she was pleased with the verdict and the swift action.
Evans urged women to speak up about sexual abuse
"Hope the woman can move forward knowing that he's behind bars. We hope the courage of this woman and this positive court result encourages other victims to come forward and report incidents of sexual assault to police," Evans added.
