Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuse

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Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans
Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuse

Lee Ryan has apologised to his fans for missing any messages they may have sent ahead of his sentencing after being found guilty of racially aggravated assault of a female cabin crew member while drunk.

The 39-year-old Blue singer posted a video on his profile for the celebrity video message app Cameo to apologise if he had missed any requests and said he has been "travelling and living life".

Last month, Lee was found guilty of the racially aggravated assault of a female cabin crew member while drunk following a trial at Ealing Magistrates' Court.

Lee, who charges £125 for a personalised video on the app, told his followers: "Hey everyone, I haven't been on here in, like, so long. I'm so sorry if I missed all of your requests.

"I've been travelling and living life so I suppose I haven't really been looking at the app – I'm so sorry.

Blue singer Lee Ryan arrives at court after ‘drunkenly abusing cabin crew’ eiddirdiqteinvBlue singer Lee Ryan arrives at court after ‘drunkenly abusing cabin crew’
Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuseLee Ryan has apologised to fans for missing messages on Cameo (Instagram)
Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuseThe Blue singer asked fans to send any requests on Cameo which he may have missed (Instagram)

"If you've sent any messages that I've missed, send them again and I'll do my best to fulfil your every need!

"Lots of love and God bless to you all and I hope to see you soon. Take care, bye."

The video comes after Ryan was found guilty of racially aggravated assault following a trial in January. The court heard how the pop singer told black flight attendant Leah Gordon "I want your chocolate children" while on a British Airways flight from Glasgow to London City in July 31 last year.

He was said to have been "slurring his words and staggering around" after drinking a whole bottle of port before boarding the flight.

Giving evidence during the hearing, Ryan was tearful as he said that he drank a whole bottle of port and ate cheese in the BA lounge after the flight was delayed.

Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuseLee was found guilty of racially aggravated assault (PA)
Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuseRyan was in court following an incident during a BA flight in July last year (PA)

He was refused anymore alcohol after boarding the plane and was told to take his seat, prompting him to make comments about a flight attendant's looks, calling her a "chocolate cookie" before grabbing her wrists, it was alleged.

Ryan was then arrested and charged for being drunk on an aircraft, assaulting a police officer, racially aggravated common assault by beating and behaving in an abusive way towards the cabin crew member.

Mr Ryan plead guilty to being drunk in an aircraft and previously apologised for his "inappropriate" behaviour on the flight.

Flight attended Leah Gordon said in court: "He was making comments about my complexion, you're my chocolate darling, my chocolate cookie, and I'm going to have your chocolate children."

Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuseRyan was accused of making 'inappropriate comments' to the cabin crew member (PA)

Ms Gordon went on: "It felt like he was saying I was beautiful for a black person because of the way he was describing my colour."

Lee Ryan found guilty of racially abusing flight attendant in drunken tiradeLee Ryan found guilty of racially abusing flight attendant in drunken tirade

It was alleged Ryan initially called her "beautiful" and put his sunglasses on her face.

He was then accused of later approaching her from behind, saying: "Before I get off this plane I need a kiss from you."

After telling him to "stay away", she said he grabbed both her wrists before passengers intervened.

Ms Gordon said: "He was towering over me, like he was leaning in to give me a kiss."

Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuseRyan allegedly asked from a kiss from the flight attendant (PA)
Lee Ryan sorry for missing fans' messages ahead of sentencing for racial abuseHe awaits sentencing (PA)

She added: "I was intimidated, I felt a bit embarrassed like I wasn't doing my duty properly."

Ryan appeared in the dock and told the court of "annoying" a passenger next to him by asking what book he was reading, with no recollection of what occurred after that.

The pop star went on: "I'm sorry.

"My band member is black, I'm not racist, I've had black girlfriends, mixed-race girlfriends.

"It was banter, just drunk banter I suppose, there was no malice or intention to upset anyone."

He added: "I didn't mean to cause any distress to anyone or be racist, it was just a poor choice of words I suppose."

Amy Denman

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