A man who sexually assaulted a woman while she slept on a flight bound for London Gatwick Airport has been found guilty.

Momade Jussab, 66, was sat next to the victim – a woman he had never met – on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Gatwick on September 28 last year.

During the flight, while the cabin lights were dimmed and most passengers were asleep, the victim awoke to find Jussab sexually assaulting her.

She reported the incident to police immediately after landing.

Jussab, of Swinfield Close, Feltham, was later arrested and charged with one count of assault by penetration and two counts of sexual assault.

Following a trial at Lewes Crown Court, Jussab was found guilty on Friday, March 29. He is due to be sentenced in May.

Detective Constable Kate Bailey, from the Crawley Safeguarding Investigations Unit, praised the victim’s bravery.

She said: “This was a shocking incident and a crime which has a long-term impact on the victim and others like her.
We were determined to get justice in this case and we are pleased with the verdict.
We encourage all victims of sexual offences to come forward and report their experience to the police.”

Specialist support has been provided to the victim, and police have reminded the public that help is available for all survivors of sexual violence.