01 February 2023 , 18:00
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A drunken easyJet passenger who groped and assaulted staff flying from Turkey to Bristol has avoided prison.
Robert Sheldon downed half a bottle of duty free vodka on the flight in July last year.
Bristol Crown Court heard he flirted with a female flight attendant before placing his hands on her waist, refused to buckle up his seat belt and tried to trip over her male colleague.
His disruptive behaviour was reported to the aircraft's pilot and police were alerted.
An intoxicated Sheldon was arrested when the flight came in at Bristol Airport.
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The 37-year-old, of Pentwyn, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to assault, sexual assault of a female and being on an aircraft whilst drunk.
Sentencing yesterday, Judge Michael Cullum handed him 18 weeks' custody, suspended for 12 months.
Sheldon has been banned from flying on easyJet for five years (Bloomberg via Getty Images)The judge told Sheldon: "On that easyJet flight from Turkey you were a thorough, drunken nuisance."
The judge told Sheldon people convicted of being on an aircraft whilst drunk should expect immediate custody.
He conceded that Sheldon's likelihood of positive rehabilitation was deemed good, he provided valuable care to his mum and he had mental health issues as well as important surgery timetabled.
Sheldon was handed six months' alcohol treatment, up to 35 days rehabilitation and ordered to pay £650 to the victim of the sexual assault and £350 prosecution costs. He declined to comment as he left court.
Sheldon was given a suspended sentence at Bristol Crown Court (BPM MEDIA)Andy Pickett, prosecuting, said an intoxicated Sheldon was complimentary to a female flight attendant.
As the four-hour 20-minute flight neared its destination, when the attendant asked him to fasten his seatbelt he replied: "Only if you do it."
Mr Pickett said with that Sheldon stood up and leaned in, pouting. The attendant managed to back away, but he blocked her way and grabbed her waist, the court heard.
When Sheldon still refused to fasten his seatbelt a passenger did it for him, the court heard. When the attendant's male colleague passed by Sheldon stuck his foot out and tried to trip him, Mr Pickett said.
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Both cabin crew members said the incident made them uncomfortable as they tried to do their jobs.
easyJet has banned Sheldon from flying with them for five years.
Chloe Griggs, defending, urged for her client to receive a suspended sentence.
She said: "He is genuinely remorseful for his actions.
"If he could send a message of apology to everyone on that plane then he would.
"The pre-sentence report shows utmost remorse and regret. There is no attempt to pass blame on to others.
"He knows he's in an extremely serious position. He knows your honour could send him to immediate custody today."