"Abhorrent behaviour": Newlywed charged after assaulting Jetstar check-in staff

A man who launched a violent attack on an airport worker during a "meltdown" on his wedding day has pleaded guilty to assault.

Alok Sharma, 43, an Indian national, was overwhelmed by visa troubles before his "woeful lapse in judgment" at Perth Airport on February 25, according to his defence. Sharma attacked a 24-year-old Jetstar employee at a service counter as he attempted to board a flight to Bali with his wife.

The Perth Magistrates Court heard that Sharma used a luggage conveyor belt to jump over the counter before slapping the victim. As she attempted to escape, he pulled her to the ground and kicked her. A female colleague intervened, attempting to shield the victim while shouting at Sharma to leave. Two bystanders assisted in restraining him until federal police arrived and made an arrest.

The prosecution described the victim as visibly distressed and in shock following the assault. The altercation began after Sharma became agitated over issues with his visa and passport. Initially, he was told he could not cut in line. After rejoining the queue, he returned an hour later and launched his "entirely unprovoked" attack.

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Sharma’s lawyer acknowledged that his actions were unacceptable but argued that he had been under immense pressure due to the travel complications. Describing the incident as a "blip" in Sharma’s otherwise clean record, the lawyer said Sharma fully accepted responsibility and deeply regretted his behaviour.

Sharma, who holds two master’s degrees and has worked for major global financial institutions such as Citibank, Barclays and Oracle, has lived in Australia for over two years on a student visa. 

Following the attack, Sharma was charged with one count of common assault and was ordered to pay $7,500 in compensation to the victim. He was granted a spent conviction, which allows him to avoid a criminal record, a crucial factor for future employment and visa applications.

Magistrate Steven Heath said that such a conviction is rarely granted and condemned Sharma’s actions. "Those that work in the airport environment are entitled to a safe workplace. This assault went beyond a single slap – it included a kick while the victim was on the ground. Such behaviour is completely unacceptable," Heath said.

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Australian Federal Police (AFP) Acting Superintendent Aviation Shona Davis reiterated that violence against airport workers and passengers would not be tolerated. "No one should go to work and be subjected to violence or aggression," Davis stated.

Jetstar also condemned the attack. "This was an utterly shocking act of violence. Abhorrent behaviour like this can never be tolerated, and we thank the AFP for their response," a spokesperson said.

Image: Australian Federal Police