A WOMAN who was sexually assaulted on a flight is challenging government rules that have disqualified her from a compensation scheme.
She was attacked while sleeping on a jet heading to Gatwick last September.
Momade Jussab was jailed in May over his actions on the Qatar Airways flight from Doha.
But his victim — referred to as Kelly to protect her anonymity — has been denied a payout under the Criminal Injuries Compensation scheme because the attack happened on a plane that was not registered in Britain.
Kelly’s lawyers at Leigh Day have written to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, urging a law change.
Kelly, in her 20s and from London, said: “I do not understand why I, and other victims like me, have been excluded from the CIC scheme.
“I was attacked on a flight en route to the UK, I am a UK citizen, and this crime was investigated and prosecuted by British authorities.
“I should be entitled to compensation, and being excluded from the scheme is unfair and illogical.”
The Civil Aviation Act was updated in 1996 to ensure criminal acts on foreign planes bound for the UK can be prosecuted in UK criminal courts.
Jussab, 66, of Feltham, West London, was jailed for six and a half years at Lewes crown court in May for one count of sexual assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.
Momade Jussab was jailed in May over his actions on the Qatar Airways flightSUSSEX POLICE Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
