How Did a Man End Up Convicted for Attempted Rape on a Flight?

A man, Nicola Cristiano, 45, has been found guilty of attempting to rape a Scottish woman on an Easyjet flight from Naples to Edinburgh, highlighting the ongoing issues of sexual violence and safety in air travel. The incident occurred on 13 May 2023, and the court's decision reflects a significant moment in Scotland's legal history, as it was one of the first cases to be tried under a new legal verdict system.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The High Court in Edinburgh has delivered a significant verdict in a trial centred on an attempted rape case aboard an Easyjet flight. Nicola Cristiano, an Italian national, has been found guilty by a majority verdict of attempting to sexually assault a woman. The judge, Alison Stirling, has remanded Cristiano in custody and requested background reports to inform the sentencing process, scheduled for 6 February 2024. This case has drawn attention not only due to the nature of the crime but also due to its implications for legal standards and the treatment of sexual violence allegations in Scotland.

Key takeaways

Nicola Cristiano, 45, was found guilty of attempting to rape a woman on an Easyjet flight.
The incident occurred on 13 May 2023 during a night-time flight from Naples to Edinburgh.
The jury found him guilty based on evidence from witnesses, including fellow passengers and cabin crew.
This case marks a historical moment as it is one of the first to return a verdict under Scotland's new legal system.

Timeline: how we got here

Here is a brief timeline of significant events leading to the verdict in this case:

13 May 2023: The incident occurred on an Easyjet flight from Naples to Edinburgh.
6 February 2024: Sentencing for Nicola Cristiano is scheduled to take place in the High Court in Edinburgh.
October 2023: The jury returned a guilty verdict after hearing evidence from multiple witnesses.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The significant development this week is the jury's guilty verdict against Cristiano, which has been widely reported and discussed. The case's historical context, being one of the first to operate under the new verdict system in Scotland, adds to its significance. The judge's remarks regarding the trial's difficulty and the changes in the legal system are also newly highlighted this week.

What was already established

Prior to this week's verdict, the details of the incident had been outlined during the trial, including evidence from witnesses such as fellow passengers and cabin crew. The prosecution argued that the woman did not consent to Cristiano's actions, which was supported by forensic evidence and testimonies. Cristiano's claims of consent were presented but ultimately rejected by the jury.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The case raises concerns about safety for passengers on flights, particularly regarding the handling of sexual assault allegations in confined spaces like aircraft. The outcome may influence how airlines and authorities respond to such incidents in the future, potentially leading to increased awareness and preventive measures.

Businesses and jobs

This case may impact the airline industry by prompting discussions around training for cabin crew on how to handle allegations of sexual misconduct more effectively. It might also lead to policy changes in how airlines deal with incidents of this nature, focusing on passenger safety and support.

Policy and regulation

The case is likely to stimulate further discussion around laws concerning sexual assault and consent in Scotland. With the abolition of the not proven verdict, this trial serves as a test case that could influence future legal proceedings and public policy related to sexual violence.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of passengers who reported the incident to the cabin crew, indicating the importance of support systems on flights.
45: Age of Nicola Cristiano, highlighting that sexual violence can occur across all demographics.
6 February 2024: Date set for sentencing, reflecting the judicial process's lengthy nature in serious criminal cases.

Definitions and jargon buster

Attempted Rape: An attempt to engage in sexual intercourse without consent, which is a serious criminal offence.
Verdict: The formal decision made by a jury regarding the guilt or innocence of a defendant.
High Court: The court of high jurisdiction in Scotland, dealing with serious criminal cases.
Cabin Crew: The staff members who manage the safety and comfort of passengers aboard an aircraft.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the sentencing date approaches, legal observers and advocates for victims of sexual violence will be closely monitoring the case's developments. The outcome may influence how similar cases are approached in the future.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the sentencing, there may be discussions among policymakers regarding potential changes to laws around sexual assault and consent. This could lead to new initiatives aimed at improving safety on flights and in public spaces.

Signals to watch

Public and media reactions to the sentencing, which may shape future discussions on sexual violence.
Potential policy changes announced by airlines in response to this case.
Further legal cases that may arise from this incident or similar incidents in the aviation industry.

Practical guidance

Do

Report any incidents of sexual misconduct immediately to cabin crew or authorities.
Familiarise yourself with airline policies regarding safety and reporting procedures.
Support victims by advocating for their rights and ensuring they receive the necessary assistance.

Don’t

Ignore signs of distress from fellow passengers; take action if you witness inappropriate behaviour.
Stay silent about your experiences or those of others; speaking out can help prevent future incidents.
Assume that incidents will be handled appropriately without your intervention; always alert the crew.

Checklist

Know the procedures for reporting incidents on your airline.
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings when travelling.
Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, seek help.
Share information about safety resources available on flights.
Encourage open discussions about consent and personal safety in travel settings.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the verdict is a significant step for justice, it is essential to acknowledge that not all cases of sexual violence result in conviction. This case highlights the complexities involved in proving consent and the challenges victims face. There remain uncertainties about how this verdict might influence future legal cases, especially in light of changing laws in Scotland.

Bottom line

The conviction of Nicola Cristiano for attempting to rape a woman on an Easyjet flight underscores significant issues surrounding safety and consent in aviation. As the sentencing approaches, the implications of this case may lead to broader discussions on legal reform and the need for improved safety protocols within the airline industry.

FAQs

What happened on the Easyjet flight?

Nicola Cristiano attempted to rape a woman during a flight from Naples to Edinburgh, offering her wine and forcing her hand towards his exposed crotch before she sought help from cabin crew.

When is the sentencing for Nicola Cristiano?

The sentencing is scheduled for 6 February 2024 in the High Court in Edinburgh.

Why is this case significant for Scottish law?

This case is significant as it is one of the first trials to return a verdict under Scotland's new legal system, which abolished the not proven verdict.