A 22-year-old woman has alleged that a 39-year-old man sitting beside her sexually assaulted her after she fainted during a Ryanair flight from Malta to Nantes on July 19.
The woman reportedly suffered a headache and lost consciousness shortly after takeoff, falling forward onto her tray table and then against another passenger. When she regained consciousness, she allegedly discovered the man kissing her neck.
According to her account, the alleged assault continued, including unwanted touching beneath her clothing. She said she managed to pull away when he allegedly reached toward her underwear.
After landing in Nantes, the woman reportedly told her family what had happened and later reported the incident to French Border Police.
The suspect was arrested at Nantes Airport on August 31 and has denied the allegations. Prosecutors say DNA evidence has linked him to the case, while the woman underwent a forensic medical examination and her clothing was examined by investigators.
He has since been charged with sexually assaulting a vulnerable person and placed in pre-trial detention. A psychiatric evaluation has also been ordered ahead of his scheduled court appearance on October 28.
The case has raised difficult questions about passenger safety and the vulnerability of people who become incapacitated during flights.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the accused remains entitled to the presumption of innocence.
