Flight assault victim denied compensation highlights gaps in UK scheme

A UK citizen who was attacked on a Qatar Airways flight is denied compensation because the incident occurred on a foreign registered plane.

Flight assault victim denied compensation highlights gaps in UK scheme

A UK citizen in her 20s was attacked while sleeping on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Gatwick last September. The attacker, Momade Jussab, was arrested on arrival and sentenced to six and a half years in prison after being found guilty of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.

The victim was refused a payout from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme because the flight was not registered in Britain. Lawyers for the victim say the rule creates an unfair gap and should be changed in line with updates to the Civil Aviation Act. A government spokesman said Parliament sets the rules for the scheme and that other forms of support are available.

The case exposes a mismatch between updated criminal law and the protection offered by the compensation scheme. While UK jurisdiction can prosecute crimes on foreign flights bound for the UK, the CIC Scheme rules have not kept pace with aviation realities. Advocates say this gap undermines trust in a system meant to support crime victims, and they are pushing for rapid policy alignment.

Beyond legal mechanics, the situation highlights the broader issue of violence against women in travel. Leigh Day argues the government must close the gap, stressing that protections should not depend on the flight's registration. The government notes that Parliament sets the rules, signaling potential political and budget considerations as lawmakers weigh reform against other priorities.

Highlights

Policy momentum will hinge on whether lawmakers translate concern into concrete changes