Blue Star Lee Ryan suspended for racially abusing cabin crew member | Here are the details about the incident
Blue star Lee Ryan has received a 12-month suspended prison sentence for racially aggravated common assault by beating and abusive behavior towards a cabin crew member. The 40-year-old singer, known for his role in the pop group Blue, was involved in the incident on a British Airways flight from Glasgow to London City Airport on July 31 last year.
Intoxication and Racial Abuse
Ryan, described as «slurring his words and staggering around,» had consumed a full bottle of port before the flight. The Isleworth Crown Court heard that he made derogatory comments about the appearance of flight attendant Leah Gordon, referring to her as a «chocolate cookie.» The situation escalated as he grabbed her wrists after being denied more alcohol and instructed to return to his seat.
Legal Consequences
Lee Ryan faced charges of being drunk on an aircraft, resulting in a four-month suspended jail term, running concurrently with the racially aggravated common assault charge. Judge Nicholas Wood ordered Ryan to pay £2,500 compensation to Ms. Gordon, £750 to another cabin crew member, Jade Smith, and £510 in costs.
The judge, after reviewing psychological assessments indicating Ryan's high-functioning autistic spectrum disorder, determined that he did not pose an ongoing risk to the public.
Victims Speak Out
During a court hearing, Ms. Gordon shared her experience, stating that Ryan made comments about her complexion, saying, «you're my chocolate darling, my chocolate cookie, and I'm going to have your chocolate children.»
She expressed feeling objectified, as if her beauty was being qualified based on her race. Later, Ryan demanded a kiss, grabbing her wrists before being intervened by passengers.
Ms. Smith, another cabin crew
