Ryanair Crew Member Sexually Assaulted by Aaron Brady on Dublin Flight

A Ryanair cabin crew member told the Circuit Criminal Court she was sexually assaulted by Aaron Brady on a Dublin-bound flight. Brady groped and kissed her, and pulled her head towards his groin in the crew area. The woman stated the incident changed her life and recovery "feels long and unreachable."

Brady, from Killeshandra, Co Cavan, apologized, saying he was "really, really sorry" and the behavior was "out of character." He told gardaí he had no memory of the incident, having consumed a large amount of wine at the airport and 12 to 15 miniature bottles on the flight. He approached the crew area, placed his foot on a crew member's lap, felt the inside of her leg, kissed her cheek, grabbed her head, and pulled it towards his groin. He then rubbed her thigh and buttock. Garda Sinead Murphy arrested Brady for being a disruptive passenger upon landing.

In her victim impact statement, the woman detailed financial losses of over €3,000 due to being off work and resigning. She described intense anxiety, recurring nightmares, and a shattered sense of safety. The incident affected her relationship, and she is awaiting psychological help. She expressed relief that Brady is "being held accountable."

Defence counsel Keith Spencer said Brady had a problem with alcohol and was shocked by the incident. Brady had saved €5,000 in compensation and requested time to raise another €5,000. He pleaded guilty and cooperated fully. The court was told Brady had not been drinking since the incident and was seeking help for his addiction. Judge Jonathan Dunphy adjourned the case to next month and remanded Brady on bail to allow him time to raise more money. Prosecuting counsel Tessa White noted the maximum sentence for the offence was ten years.