Man racially abused Dublin Airport worker by making monkey noises and asking her if she ‘wanted a banana’, court hears

A PASSENGER boarding a plane hurled racial abuse at an airline worker, telling her to “go back to Africa”, making monkey noises and asking her if she “wanted a banana”.

Maksymilian Lesniak (34) was waiting at a departure gate at Dublin Airport when he subjected the staff member to “nasty” racial slurs.

Adjourning the case at Dublin District Court, Judge Treasa Kelly said although it was a public order offence, she wanted to hear what the victim had to say before deciding on a penalty.

Lesniak, with an address at Ardeen, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, pleaded guilty to threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour at the airport.

Garda Sergeant Derek Spain said the incident happened at Terminal 1 on April 27 last year, when airport police were contacted over a complaint by a member of Ryanair staff. The victim was a black female who said she had been racially abused.

“He said go back to Africa, made monkey noises and asked her if she wanted a banana,” Sgt Spain said. Judge Kelly asked if the incident had happened on board a flight and defence solicitor Daniel Hanahoe clarified that it was at a gate to board a flight.

The accused had no previous convictions.

Judge Kelly asked if a victim impact statement was required and the sergeant said it was a public order offence, though it was a “quite nasty one.”

The judge agreed that it was “absolutely nasty at the least” and said “I would like to hear what the injured party says.” The court heard the accused was still living in Co Clare and had been anxious to have the case finalised after pleading guilty.

The judge adjourned the case and granted free legal aid. Mr Hanahoe said his client worked as a chef but was paying rent and his partner was expecting a child.

The accused was not required to address the court during the hearing and was remanded on continuing bail to a date next month.

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