A British woman who exposed her vagina in front of passengers on a packed TUI flight after ignoring instructions to remain seated during take-off is facing a possible prison sentence. The incident forced the aircraft to divert to Manchester Airport, with prosecutors estimating the disruption cost £20,000.
Sarah Parker, 30, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, was travelling on TUI flight TOM 664 from Birmingham to Melbourne, Florida, on 24 July 2025 when the incident occurred. She had boarded the aircraft while intoxicated and got out of her seat to use the toilet despite instructions from the pilot to remain seated.
Parker Exposes Herself on Flight
The incident happened during take-off, when passengers are required to remain seated and follow the crew's safety instructions. Parker reportedly attempted to make her way to the toilet despite being told to stay in her seat. After cabin crew reminded her of the instructions, she pulled down her shorts and underwear in the aisle.
The charge document described her behaviour as 'pulling down her shorts and underwear, squatting and exposing her vagina in full view of other passengers'. A separate charge stated that she had failed to obey a lawful command by not remaining in her seat after being instructed to do so.
Parker previously pleaded guilty to the allegations. Her admissions covered three offences: outraging public decency, being drunk on an aircraft and failing to follow the pilot's instructions. District Judge Simon Blakebrough previously addressed the seriousness of the incident, telling Parker: 'Exposing yourself on a plane full of passengers is quite serious.'
TUI Flight Diverted Over £20K Chaos
Parker's behaviour had consequences beyond the disturbance inside the aircraft cabin, as the Florida-bound flight was forced to divert to Manchester Airport. During a court hearing on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, prosecutor Edward Downes outlined the impact of the incident and explained why the case required consideration by a higher court.
He told magistrates that Parker had been intoxicated during the flight from Birmingham to Florida and that her behaviour had caused distress to passengers and created a safety risk. 'Her behaviour was distressing to passengers causing danger,' Downes said.
He also confirmed that the aircraft had to divert to Manchester Airport because of the incident. 'The disruption was extensive. The financial loss was £20,000,' the prosecutor added.
Parker's Case Sent to Crown Court
Parker's case was heard at Manchester Magistrates' Court, where prosecutors argued that the available sentencing powers were insufficient to deal with the seriousness of the offences. Downes asked magistrates to send the case to the Crown Court, which has greater sentencing powers.
Chairman of the magistrates, Elliot Taylor, agreed, and the case was transferred to Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court. The decision means Parker could face a prison sentence, although no punishment has been imposed so far.
Being drunk and disruptive aboard an aircraft can carry penalties under UK aviation law, including a fine of up to £5,000 and a maximum of two years in prison in applicable cases. Outraging public decency can also result in imprisonment, depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the offence.
Parker is due to return to court on 1 December 2026 for sentencing. The judge will determine the appropriate punishment after considering the offences she admitted to and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
