A man has been convicted of attempted rape following a disturbing incident on an easyJet flight targeting a lone female passenger. Nicola Cristiano deliberately changed seats to sit near the victim during a flight from Naples to Edinburgh before carrying out the assault. The 45-year-old was found guilty after a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh on December 9.
Cristiano targeted the woman while on the flight from Naples on May 13, 2025, by moving closer to her. It was only when Cristiano relocated to a different section of the plane that the victim was able to seek help from the cabin crew.
After alerting the crew, the woman was taken to a safe area of the plane for assistance. Cristiano was apprehended upon landing at Edinburgh Airport. Authorities have condemned his actions as “despicable” and emphasized the woman’s courage in reporting the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Steph Garnett from Police Scotland’s Public Protection Unit expressed satisfaction with the conviction, hoping it brings solace to the victim. Garnett highlighted Cristiano’s deliberate targeting of a solo female traveler for sexual assault and encouraged other victims of such crimes to come forward.
Cristiano is set to be sentenced at a later date.