LEE Ryan has avoided jail for racially abusing a black flight attendant in a drunken plane attack.
The Blue star, 39, sunk half a bottle of port and tucked into cheese in the BA lounge before boarding the flight at Glasgow.
Ryan avoided jail when he was sentenced today for racially aggravated common assault by beating, which carries a maximum seven-year jail term.
He was handed a 12 month sentence suspended for 18 months for the "totally unacceptable and disgraceful” attack.
The singer was also convicted of behaving in an abusive way towards the cabin crew member and admitted being drunk on an aircraft.
A charge of assaulting a police officer was previously dropped after Ryan claimed he was "made to" plead guilty by his lawyer.
Read more on the singer
out of the blue
Blue star Lee Ryan expecting fifth child with wife Verity
STAR IN DOCK
Lee Ryan's charge for assaulting cop during drunken plane attack DROPPED
Ryan was also ordered to pay £2,500 compensation to Ms Gordon, £750 to another members of cabin crew, and £510 in costs during the hearing at Isleworth Crown Court.
Sentencing, Judge Nicholas Wood said while the attack only lasted 10 or 15 minutes, it "seemed like a lifetime for everybody on that plane".
Ryan left cabin crew worker Leah Gordon in tears after calling her a racial slur during the drunken plane attack.
The court was told he called her "beautiful" before grabbing her wrists and commenting on her "complexion".
Most read in Showbiz
MODEL MOMENT
Star-studded catwalk front-rows& how having seat determines if you’re A-list
SAY WHAT?
I was in one of the noughties biggest pop groups – now I’m happy meditating
hel no
Helen Flanagan cruelly surgery shamed over huge lip fillers – as fans defend her
HARRY’S HOUSE
Harry Styles in surprise career move as he transforms new property
Ms Gordon said: "It felt like he was saying I was beautiful for a black person because of the way he was describing my colour."
He was also "slurring his words and staggering around" as he asked: "Do you know who I am?"
Ryan claimed in his evidence he had no recollection of the flight other than an "annoying" a passenger next to him.
He said his actions were "playful" and denied being racist.
The singer added: "I'm sorry.
"My band member is black, I'm not racist, I've had black girlfriends, mixed-race girlfriends.
"It was banter, just drunk banter I suppose, there was no malice or intention to upset anyone."
Ryan was arrested at London City Airport by armed cops following the attack on July 31 last year and spent the night in the cells.
He later told police he would give Ms Gordon Blue tickets for their next tour as an apology.
Ryan formed boy band Blue in 2000 with Antony Costa, Duncan James and Simon Webbe.
They have since sold 14million records and had three Number 1 albums.
Their biggest hits include songs All Rise, Too Close, One Love and U Make Me Wanna.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
CRAZED BEAST
XL Bully ate my thumb & mauled hubby – he punched it 30 TIMES to make it stop
fresh start
Inside This Morning's backstage area where Phillip Schofield has been 'erased'
Blue recently went on a 20th anniversary tour and released a new album, Heart & Soul.
Source: Read Full Article
