A Ryanair passenger has pleaded guilty to assaulting two fellow travellers while intoxicated during a flight from Tenerife to Liverpool. Catherine Bellis, aged 44, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (Thursday), where she admitted to two counts of assault by beating and a charge of being drunk on an aircraft.
The offences took place on 26th November 2024, involving victims Christopher Kenny and Beata Haynes.
During the brief hearing, a visibly emotional Bellis, acknowledged the charges as Judge Anil Murray warned her that "all sentencing options remain available," including a potential prison term.
The judge confirmed that her guilty plea would be taken into account and credited during sentencing, but emphasised there were no guarantees regarding the outcome.
Bellis, dressed in a black blazer and high heels, was granted unconditional bail and instructed to meet with the Probation Service to prepare a pre-sentence report ahead of her sentencing date on 12th May.
Her defence barrister, Callum Ross, said that Bellis is a woman of previous good character. The case adds to a growing list of incidents involving disruptive behaviour on flights, prompting renewed scrutiny over alcohol consumption during air travel.
