Six-Year Prison Term for In-Flight Sexual Assault on EasyJet
A passenger who sexually assaulted a woman during an EasyJet flight to the United Kingdom has been handed a six-year prison sentence. Nicola Cristiano, aged 45, committed the offence on a late-night service from Naples to Edinburgh on May 13, 2025.
Deliberate Seat Change Preceded Assault
The Italian national, a father-of-two travelling to Edinburgh for work, deliberately changed seats to sit beside the woman. During the flight, he repeatedly seized the victim’s hand and neck, attempting to force her to touch his exposed groin. Subsequent forensic tests confirmed the presence of his semen on her cheek and lips.
Cristiano also attempted to kiss the woman and touch her body without consent. After he moved to a different section of the aircraft, the victim reported the incident to cabin crew. Police arrested him upon arrival at Edinburgh Airport.
Court Hears of Lasting Impact on Victim
Following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh last month, Cristiano was convicted of attempted rape. Passing sentence on Friday, Judge Alison Stirling referenced a victim impact statement, noting the assault had a profound effect.
‘The complainer says the assault has left a lasting effect on her sense of safety and control,’ Judge Stirling stated. ‘She doesn’t feel comfortable flying and travelling alone any more. She had planned another holiday this year but she doesn’t want to go on it any more.’
The judge emphasised the particular damage caused by the public setting of the assault, saying: ‘The fact that it happened in a public setting surrounded by other people, even though she felt completely alone at the time, has been especially damaging for her. She thinks this will always have a lasting effect on her.’
Judge Cites Need for Public Protection
Judge Stirling noted that a criminal justice social work report indicated Cristiano had refused to accept the jury’s guilty verdict. She stated: ‘Custody is the only appropriate sentence with regard to the serious nature of the offending. The reasons for the sentence include punishment, expressing society’s concerns about and disapproval of your offending, protection of the public, and rehabilitation in custody.’
The court was informed that Cristiano will be deported to Italy after serving his prison term and will remain subject to notification requirements for an indefinite period. He showed no visible reaction as the sentence was imposed.
Defence Maintains Innocence on Serious Charges
Earlier in proceedings, defence solicitor Jim Stephenson told the court his client acknowledged the complainant ‘did say “no” on a number of occasions, and (that) he did take her hand and place it on his penis.’ However, he added: ‘However Mr Cristiano still maintains his innocence in relation to the most serious parts of the charge.’
Following last month’s conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Steph Garnett of Police Scotland’s public protection unit commented: ‘Cristiano will now face the consequences of his despicable actions and I hope this brings comfort to his victim. He deliberately approached a woman travelling alone on a flight and sexually assaulted her.’
The case underscores ongoing concerns about passenger safety on commercial flights and the severe legal repercussions for such offences.
