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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Eve Beattie

Lee Ryan bids to reverse plea for drunkenly assaulting cop after Glasgow flight arrest

Singer Lee Ryan has submitted an application to reverse his plea after he was found guilty of drunkenly assaulting a police officer when he was arrested on a flight from Glasgow.

The Blue star was convicted in January of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards cabin crew and racially aggravated assault.

During the trial, the court heard that the 39-year-old told Leah Gordon, a black flight attendant: "I want your chocolate children", and had also referred to her as "my chocolate cookie".

Ms Gordon also said that she was approached from behind as the singer said: "Before I get off this plane I need a kiss from you".

Adding that Ryan grabbed both of her wrists before passengers on the flight defused the situation reports the Daily Star.

Lee Ryan has been charged with abusing and assaulting a member of the crew onboard a British Airways flight and assaulting a police officer at London City airport in July. (PA)

Ryan also admitted an offence of being drunk on an aircraft, confessing to have drank a whole bottle of port in the British Airways lounge before boarding the flight to London City Airport on July 31 last year.

He also admitted assaulting a police officer- however, he is now attempting to reverse said plea.

The hearing, which was due to take place at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, has been rescheduled to next week.

An application has been made by the singer's defence team to vacate the guilty plea for assault of an emergency worker, court staff confirmed.

The application means Ryan's sentencing, due to take place at the end of February, has been placed on hold.

A clip of the arrest at London City Airport was played at the trial at Ealing Magistrates' Court, in which an officer could be heard warning Ryan several times to stop trying to bite him.

According to prosecutors, Ryan was "snarling" at the officers. He was also filmed crying on the floor and repeatedly saying "I’ve done nothing wrong".

The vacation of plea hearing is listed for April. If successful, a new trial to hear evidence about the assault could take place.

At Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, district judge Deborah Wright said an administrative hearing will take place next week ahead of the full hearing.

Ryan, who was granted unconditional bail after the trial, is not expected to appear at the hearing next week.

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