Ramiz Idrizi, 38, of Woodvale Avenue in Dublin, was convicted at Ballymena Magistrates Court of attempting to sexually assault a girl under 13 on an easyJet flight from Paris to Belfast International on November 14.

The court heard Idrizi had drunk most of five small bottles of wine bought during the flight. About half an hour before landing, a woman reported that Idrizi was kicking her seat. Idrizi stated he was sexually aroused and reached between the fuselage and the seat toward the girl's leg, prompting her to jump up.

A male passenger in the same row witnessed a hand near the child's seat and swapped places with the woman. He challenged Idrizi, who responded with an insult directed at the woman's mother. Earlier, Idrizi had been heard making throat-clearing noises, and the woman described him as spitting and talking to himself.

Cabin crew learned of the issue and announced that alcohol service had ended. Idrizi refused to surrender his remaining wine or change seats, so nearby passengers were relocated. As the plane approached landing, Idrizi punched the fuselage wall.

Idrizi pleaded guilty to being drunk on the aircraft and using abusive language toward cabin crew. He was acquitted of assaulting the woman but convicted of common assault on the male passenger. In his testimony, Idrizi admitted intoxication and the insult but denied reaching for the girl or spitting.

District Judge Nigel Broderick ruled that witnesses, including civilians and cabin crew, provided credible evidence. He released Idrizi on bail for a report and set sentencing for April 28.