Lee Ryan loses High Court challenge

Blue frontman Lee Ryan, 43, is set to be sentenced after the High Court rejected his bid to overturn a racially aggravated assault conviction from a July 2022 British Airways flight where he allegedly told a Black flight attendant she looked like a “sweet chocolate chip cookie” and grabbed her wrists. He had previously received a 12-month suspended sentence in 2023 for racially aggravated assault and abusive behavior toward cabin crew. Ryan pursued multiple appeals, with Isleworth Crown Court overturning some aspects but upholding the assault conviction, and the High Court dismissing his attempts to challenge or to have the case sent to the High Court for further appeal. Judges described him as intoxicated on the flight and confirmed the remarks were directed at Leah Gordon, noting the grip on her wrists and the alleged kissing advance. The ongoing legal challenges across Crown Court and High Court culminate in a sentencing hearing to determine his punishment following the High Court rulings.