A drunk passenger who exposed herself on a packed flight from Birmingham Airport to Florida has been warned she faces jail time. Sarah Parker, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of outraging public decency, being drunk on a plane, and failing to comply with the pilot's instructions.
The incident occurred on July 24, 2025, during the take-off of a Tui flight to Melbourne, Florida. Parker ignored instructions from the pilot to remain seated and proceeded to the toilet. While in the aisle, she pulled down her shorts and underwear, exposing herself to other passengers.
Prosecutor Edward Downes told magistrates that Parker was intoxicated and her actions were distressing and caused danger. The flight was diverted to Manchester Airport, resulting in an estimated financial loss of £20,000.
Parker, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, also admitted to failing to obey a lawful command by leaving her seat after being instructed to remain seated. The court heard the charge of outraging public decency involved her pulling down her shorts and underwear, squatting, and exposing her vagina in full view of other passengers.
Due to the severity of the offenses, magistrates determined their sentencing powers were insufficient and committed the case to Minshull Street Crown Court. Parker is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1. Penalties for public indecency can range from fines to imprisonment, while being drunk and disruptive on an aircraft can lead to fines of up to £5,000 and a maximum of two years in prison.