Man found guilty of trying to rape woman on flight to Edinburgh

A man has been found guilty of attempting to rape a Scottish woman on an Easyjet flight.

Nicola Cristiano, 45, from Italy, moved seats to sit beside the woman during the night-time journey from Naples to Edinburgh on 13 May.

After offering her wine, he attempted to force her hand and head towards his exposed crotch.

Judge Alison Stirling remanded Cristiano in custody and asked for background reports to be prepared ahead of sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh on 6 February.

Earlier The High Court in Edinburgh heard evidence from a fellow passenger and a member of the cabin crew.

Forensic evidence also showed there was a trace of Cristiano’s semen on the victim’s cheek.

He had claimed the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, initially consented but then changed her mind.

However, the jury found him guilty by majority verdict.

The prosecution said everything happened without consent and this was backed up by a witness sitting in the row behind.

A member of the cabin crew said the woman was visibly distressed when she told them she had been sexually assaulted.