SARAH PARKER FACES SENTENCING OVER TUI FLIGHT EXPOSURE

A passenger on a TUI flight exposed herself in front of fellow travellers after getting up from her seat during take-off, a court has heard. Sarah Parker, from Halifax, was flying from Birmingham Airport to Melbourne, Florida, at the time. She left her seat despite instructions from the pilot to remain seated. Parker then pulled down her shorts and underwear in the aisle in front of other passengers on the packed aircraft, the court heard. Her conduct forced the flight to divert and land at Manchester Airport.

The incident took place on 24 July 2025. Parker has pleaded guilty to outraging public decency. She also admitted being drunk on an aircraft. She further admitted failing to comply with the pilot's instructions before the incident. Magistrates in Manchester ruled that their sentencing powers were not sufficient given the gravity of the offence. Magistrates referred the case to crown court as a result.

The court heard that the disruption cost TUI around £20,000. Parker is due to appear before Minshull Crown Court in Manchester. The court will sentence her there on 1 December. Magistrates have warned that she could face a prison sentence over her conduct.