Architect convicted in absence over Heathrow flight assault

Simone de Gale, a West London architect, was convicted in her absence of four charges at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on October 15. The convictions stem from an incident on a Virgin Atlantic flight on February 5, where she was found guilty of assaulting a member of cabin crew.

An arrest warrant has been issued for de Gale, aged 44, after she failed to attend her court appearance. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the warrant was issued following her non-attendance.

Court findings

De Gale was found guilty of behaving in a threatening, abusive, insulting or disorderly manner towards a member of aircraft crew. She was also convicted of being drunk in an aircraft, using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, and assault by beating.

Footage released by the Crown Prosecution Service shows de Gale's reaction upon her arrest at Heathrow Airport. In the video, she stated to officers, “I’ve not touched anyone or anything,” and added, “I recorded everything on a video.” When informed she was being placed under arrest, she responded, “I don’t think that’s possible.”

De Gale, who founded Simone de Gale Architects, has previously been photographed meeting the King and the Princess of Wales. Her LinkedIn profile indicates she also serves as head of planning for the Belgravia Society, handling planning matters with Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.