- Boyband frontman Lee Ryan is due to be sentenced for a racially aggravated assault on a Black air steward after his High Court attempt to overturn his conviction failed.
- The incident occurred in July 2022 on a British Airways flight, where Ryan, who was drunk, told cabin crew member Ms. Gordon she was like a 'sweet chocolate chip cookie' and allegedly grabbed her wrists, saying, 'I'll have your chocolate babies'.
- Ryan was convicted by magistrates in 2023 of racially aggravated assault and admitted being drunk on an aircraft, initially receiving a suspended sentence which was later rescinded.
- His appeal against the assault conviction was rejected by Isleworth Crown Court, which also refused his request to 'state a case' for a High Court appeal, deeming it 'frivolous'.
- Lord Justice Holgate and Mr Justice Johnson of the High Court upheld the Crown Court's decision, dismissing Ryan's claim and sending the case back for sentencing, noting his inconsistent accounts regarding the wrist-grabbing incident.
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