On Aug. 5, a 39-year-old Singapore Permanent Resident was convicted of molesting a Scoot flight steward on a flight from India to Singapore.

Man was arguing with cabin crew

Vijayan Mathan Gopal had boarded the flight from India to Singapore in November 2017.

According to a CNA report, he was described as smelling strongly of alcohol, and had his pants unzipped.

On the flight, he apparently argued with the cabin crew and refused to pay after ordering his food and red wine.

Vijayan also apparently insisted on the victim attending to him, and repeatedly pressed the call button to get her attention.

Man touched her face, thigh and buttock

After the air stewardess went to Vijayan and told him to not press the call light again, CNA reported that he "touched her face, stroking her forehead down to her chin".

He also cupped her face using both his hands after telling her: "You are so beautiful."

This made the victim feel "angry" and "uncomfortable", and so, she leaned back and raised her voice at him.

In response, Vijayan apparently told her not the "throw (her) anger at (him)", saying that he's the "boss of this flight".

She tried to stand up, but he grabbed her right arm and forcefully put his hand on her thigh. When the victim finally got to her feet, he then placed his palm on her left buttock.

Three counts of outrage of modesty

The victim submitted a report to both Scoot as well as to the airport police after the plane landed in Singapore on Nov. 2, 2017.

According to the Tokyo Convention Act, any crime occurring on a Singapore-controlled aircraft is considered an offence under Singapore laws.

Vijayan was convicted of three counts of outraging the modesty. After being charged, he denied committing the offences and claimed that the victim had fabricated the incident.

He will return to court for mitigation and sentencing on Aug. 28, 2019.

He faces a maximum of two years' jail, fine, caning, or any combination of these punishments for each charge.

Top photo via Scoot FB