A 41-year-old Sri Lankan man appeared before Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court today (19 December) on charges of committing an act of indecency during an international flight from Sri Lanka to Melbourne.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege that the man committed the offence against a female passenger on 18 December. The victim alerted airline staff, who immediately reported the incident to the AFP.

Upon the aircraft’s arrival at Melbourne Airport, AFP officers conducted interviews with passengers and airline staff before charging the man under section 60 (1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (ACT), in conjunction with section 15 (1) of the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991 (Cth). The offence carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison.

The accused was granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 9 January 2025.

AFP Detective Superintendent Stephen Cook emphasised that all travellers have a right to feel safe and that the AFP maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour on flights.

“When travelling through the airport and on a plane, people are bound by Australian law, and where there is evidence of a criminal offence, the AFP will take action,” Cook said.