 Lee Ryan has been sentenced following a racially aggravated assault against a Black British Airways flight attendant. The Blue star, 40, was arrested following a BA flight between Glasgow and London in July 2022 after he became drunk and allegedly assaulted a police officer. A judge handed the All Rise singer a 12-month suspended prison sentence for racially aggravated common assault by beating and behaving in an abusive way towards a cabin crew member. As he sentenced him at Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Wood said while the incident only lasted 10 or 15 minutes: 'It seemed like a lifetime for everybody on that plane.' During the flight, Ryan drunkenly told a Black cabin crew member: 'I want your chocolate children,' before trying to give her a kiss and grabbing her by the wrists. He also swore at police officers while being detained. Ryan had previously denied assault and behaving in an abusive manner but pleaded guilty to being drunk on the plane. In January this year, he was found guilty of being drunk on an aircraft, assaulting a police officer by biting him, and racially aggravated common assault by beating and behaving in an abusive way towards the cabin crew member. However, it was recently reported that the charge for biting the officer had been dropped. The Blue singer covered his face with his blazer as he arrived at Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday (Picture: PA) The singer was accompanied by a woman as he headed inside for sentencing (Picture: PA) In court, Ryan apologised for his behaviour but insisted he was not racist. Taking to the stand, he became tearful and referred to his Blue bandmate Simon Webbe as he said: 'I'm sorry. My band member is Black, I'm not racist, I've had Black girlfriends, mixed-race girlfriends. It was banter, just drunk banter I suppose, there was no malice or intention to upset anyone.' He continued: 'I didn't mean to cause any distress to anyone or be){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Lee Ryan has been sentenced following a racially aggravated assault against a Black British Airways flight attendant.
The Blue star, 40, was arrested following a BA flight between Glasgow and London in July 2022 after he became drunk.
A judge handed the All Rise singer a 12-month suspended prison sentence for racially aggravated common assault by beating and behaving in an abusive way towards a cabin crew member.
As he sentenced him at Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Nicholas Wood said while the incident only lasted 10 or 15 minutes: ‘It seemed like a lifetime for everybody on that plane.’