Pervert businessman launched boozed-up sex assault against teenage girl on EasyJet flight after ‘taking drugs’

A PERVERT businessman “high on drugs” told a 17-year-old girl he wanted to “f*** her” as he launched a boozy tirade of abuse during a flight to Manchester.

Andrew Reay, 46, left his victim feeling so “disgusting” she “just wanted to go home and have a shower”.

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Andrew Reay, 46, was sentenced to four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and had signed the sex offenders register[/caption]

The 46-year-old eventually fell asleep after “screaming and shouting” on board the EasyJet flight from Lanzarote, Minshull Street Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

But Judge Maurice Greene allowed him to walk free from court and return to the Canary Islands, insisting that Reay’s employees would be “affected” by a prison sentence for their boss.

Prosecuting, Virginia Hayton told the court that the incident took place back on September 2, 2020.

The court heard how Reay would “get hold of her arm” when the student tried to move away, as he told her it was “a shame” she was only 17.

Ms Hayton explained that Reay encouraged the teen to have a drink, and despite making her feel “awkward”, the businessman persisted until she “relented”.

The court heard that Reay boasted about having taken drugs before the flight – claiming cannabis was “not hard enough” for him so he had “put white powder” in his joints “to make them good”.

Ms Hayton said that Reay was also “touchy” with members of cabin crew, before he placed his hand on the girl’s thigh and ran it “up and down over her trousers”.

During the ordeal, the teenager called cabin crew, who moved Reay to another seat on the plane.

Ms Hayton told the court that another passenger then described Reay “shouting and swearing” at them.

In a statement, the flight’s captain said he considered diverting the flight to Birmingham Airport because of Reay’s behaviour.

However, the 46-year-old eventually fell asleep in his new seat and was arrested at Manchester Airport on arrival.

The court heard Reay, of Lawton Street, Crewe, now lives on the Canary Islands and runs a business there.

He had pleaded not guilty to section 3 sexual assault on a female at Manchester Magistrates Court, but was convicted following a trial.

Defending, Eleanor Gleeson said her client “understands the seriousness of the offence” and now shows “remorse” for his actions.

She felt like crying. She felt scared. She thought he could get violent at any time

Virginia Hayton, prosecuting

Reay had no convictions since the year 2000, and although His Honour Greene said the defendant had “a number of difficulties” in his youth, he had since “made a life for himself in the Canary Islands”.

The judge described the incident as “extremely unpleasant”, but felt it was “not the behaviour that [Reay] exhibits on a regular basis”.

He instead suggested Reay was affected by the influence of alcohol, drugs or both.

His Honour Greene also commented how a prison sentence would have an “effect on his employees” before sentencing Reay to a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He added: “You targeted this 17-year-old Spanish student who was minding her own business and you were suggestive to her.

“This was a young lady of 17 who all she wanted to do was fly from one place to another, and she had to contend with your attentions in a place that she could not really escape, on a plane.”

Reay must also pay costs of £400 and had signed the sex offenders register following his conviction.