British woman denied compensation after being sexually assaulted on flight

Kelly, a British woman who was assaulted on a Qatar Airways flight, denied compensation as the plane was not UK-registered

A British woman is challenging Government rules that leave her without compensation after a harrowing sexual assault on a flight to London. Kelly, using a pseudonym for privacy, was asleep on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Gatwick in September last year when the man sitting next to her put his hands down her trousers.

Kelly, 24 at the time, later discovered that her attacker was 66-year-old Momade Jussab. “It felt like a never-ending nightmare,” she told ITV News. “I tried to take his hands out of my trousers with both hands. I said, stop. He said no, please.”

Frightened and shaking, Kelly ran to the aeroplane bathroom. After explaining the incident to a flight attendant, she was moved to a different seat for the remaining two hours of the journey. “I stayed awake most of the flight. Anyone that walked past, I was scared, panicking. Honestly, it felt like I was never going to leave the plane,” she said.

Jussab was arrested on landing and in May sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of one count of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault. Yet despite the conviction, Kelly has been denied compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation (CIC) Scheme. The Government says her case does not qualify because the assault occurred on a plane not registered in the UK.

Kelly appealed, highlighting that she is a British citizen, her attacker was arrested and tried in the UK, and is serving a UK prison sentence. Her appeal was rejected. “I felt like I wasn’t heard,” she said. “Even though I got justice, I still need therapy and psychiatric help, which costs money I don’t have. I just want help.”

Her lawyers at Leigh Day say the case exposes a serious legal gap. Claire Powell, representing Kelly, explained: “Our client was refused compensation simply because it was a foreign flight. The rules have not been updated to reflect the Civil Aviation Act, which allows UK courts to prosecute criminal acts on foreign planes landing in the UK. This gap needs closing urgently.”

The Ministry of Justice stated: “Our thoughts remain with this victim. The rules that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority follows are set by Parliament. Other routes are available for victims to receive support.”

Kelly hopes her case will raise awareness and improve protection for women. “I never thought I would go on a plane, fall asleep, and wake up to someone assaulting me. More needs to be done for women who face these risks. I want them to know it can happen to you,” she said.

The case highlights the emotional and financial challenges victims can face, even after successful prosecution of their assailants. It has prompted calls for urgent reform to ensure victims of in-flight sexual assaults can access compensation and support, closing a gap in current UK law.