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Lankan jailed for groping

25 Apr 2010 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A Sri Lankan passenger on a flight from Singapore to Hong Kong was so enchanted by the flight attendants he couldn't resist touching their breasts and buttocks, a Singapore magistrate heard, the Standard reported.

Chief Magistrate Ernest Lin Kam- hung jailed Sri Lankan Halpita Acharige Wijith Thalis, 47, for 14 days and fined him HK$15,000 after he admitted indecently assaulting three Cathay Pacific flight attendants last week.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault under the Aviation Security Ordinance at Tsuen Wan Magistrates' Court.

Thalis, who was on a business trip with two assistants, boarded Cathay Pacific flight CX 710 from Singapore to Kansai, Japan, via Hong Kong.

When the first victim was serving passengers in the row in front of Thalis, she felt someone touching her left buttock. She turned round and saw Thalis withdrawing his right hand.

She told him: "Don't touch me, if you want something, ask me by name, but don't touch me." She said the defendant put up his hands and replied "sorry" before making a funny face.

Shortly before landing at 2pm, he did the same to another flight attendant.

When the aircraft landed, the second victim went to the defendant to return his jacket. She also felt someone touching her buttock. She turned round and saw Thalis withdrawing his right hand. A passenger also pointed to the defendant.

A male crew member tried to talk to the defendant but was snubbed. Then as he was disembarking, Thalis nudged with his elbow the right breast of a third flight attendant who was standing on one side of the corridor to allow passengers to pass.
The attendant reacted with shock, but it did not fluster Thalis.

The three flight attendants reported the matter to their manager, who alerted the police through security staff. Thalis was arrested by airport police.

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Lankan jailed for groping

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