Woman Sexually Assaulted on Plane Unable to Claim Compensation Due to Legal Loophole

A woman who was sexually assaulted during a flight to the UK cannot receive compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation (CIC) scheme due to a legal loophole.

Last September, Kelly was assaulted on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha, Qatar, to Gatwick, using a false name to protect her identity. 66-year-old Momade Jussab, seated next to her, inserted his hands into his trousers. Jussab was arrested at Gatwick in May and sentenced to six and a half years in prison.

Legal Loophole

Authorities denied Kelly’s compensation claim on the grounds that the incident occurred on a plane not registered in the UK. Her lawyers emphasized in a letter to the Secretary of State for Justice that this legal loophole needs to be closed. The CIC scheme only provides compensation to individuals who experience violent crimes in England, Scotland, or Wales.

Victim’s Statement

24-year-old Kelly described the trauma she endured during the assault:

“His hands were inside my trousers. I ran to the bathroom leaving my phone, bag, and passport behind. I haven’t been able to go out for almost a year; I don’t attend events with friends. I don’t want to be touched or looked at.”

Expert Opinions

Nahar Choudhury, CEO of Solace Women’s Aid, which works to combat domestic and sexual violence, stated that when women’s right to safety on public transport is violated, the trauma can be long-lasting. She highlighted the rise in in-flight sexual assault cases in recent years and the need for victims to access support services to recover.

Conclusion

The case exposes gaps in the UK’s compensation system. Lawyers stress the need to close this loophole and remind the government of its commitment to combating violence against women and girls.