A 43-year-old Indian national was recently convicted of assaulting a female staff member at Perth Airport during an incident on February 25. At a court appearance on March 6, he entered a guilty plea to a charge of common assault. Following his admission of guilt, the court mandated him to pay a compensation amount of $7,500, giving him seven months and 15 days to fulfil this financial obligation.
The altercation occurred as the man was waiting to check in for a flight to Bali. When a female employee informed him that he would not be allowed to board due to his aggressive behaviour, the man left but soon returned, crossing the counter to slap her. He then escalated the situation by grabbing her by the throat, knocking her to the ground, and kicking her. Fortunately, two witnesses stepped in to intervene, preventing further harm, and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the assailant shortly thereafter. The airport worker suffered minor injuries and required medical attention as a result of the attack.
In a statement regarding the incident, AFP Acting Superintendent Aviation, Shona Davis, emphasised that workers should never have to face violence or aggression while performing their duties. She reaffirmed the AFP’s commitment to collaborating with airline industry partners to ensure that anyone whose behaviour threatens the safety of airport staff, visitors, and passengers will be dealt with seriously. Davis stated that the AFP will not hesitate to take legal action against those who violate the law, insisting that inappropriate conduct at airports will be met with swift prosecution.