2LT Local News

ADELAIDE, South Australia – A 61-year-old Belarusian national appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday charged with indecent assault.

According to reports, the man allegedly indecently assaulted a fellow passenger on a flight from Malaysia to Adelaide.

The passenger reportedly alerted the airline staff about the alleged incident, and Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers were informed. The officers boarded the plane on arrival at Adelaide Airport on Sunday and launched an investigation into the matter.

The investigation led to the arrest of the Belarusian man who was charged with one count of an act of indecency without consent.

During the court hearing on Monday, the accused was granted bail and is due to re-appear in court on 6 March 2023.

Speaking about the incident, AFP Acting Superintendent Paul Everingham said that all travellers had the right to feel safe and should not be subjected to offensive behaviour. He also emphasized that people travelling through the airport and on a plane are bound by Australian law, and if there is evidence that someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action.

“The AFP is committed to supporting airport staff and aviation partners and will continue to protect law-abiding Australians while maintaining zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior,” he said.