A 34-year-old chef employed aboard the Sky Princess cruise ship was sentenced to at least one 12 months in jail on February 14 for assaulting a teenage passenger.
Chef Vincent Lucas, from Goa, India, was convicted following a four-day trial at Southampton Crown Courtroom. The incident occurred late at night time within the teen lounge because the Sky Princess, a Princess Cruises vessel, returned to Southampton, England.
Prosecutor Andrew Houston narrated Lucas’s actions in court docket, noting how he had been “roaming the ship late at night time” as he selected his sufferer.
A Crime With Lengthy-Time period Affect
In line with the Day by day Mail, the teenage woman, who was touring along with her household, described the assault as a “nightmare” that might have lasting results on her emotional well-being. She defined that the expertise has left her feeling unsafe and combating sleepless nights as she now seeks counseling.
Her mom, who as soon as felt “protected and safe” aboard the cruise ship, spoke concerning the profound impact the assault had on her. “I felt powerless to assist my daughter,” she mentioned, expressing a guardian’s frustration at being unable to guard her baby.
Choose Nicholas Rowland careworn how the crime violated public belief in a family-friendly atmosphere. “The sufferer and her household have been entitled to really feel {that a} group of youngsters can be protected on a cruise ship at any time of day,” Choose Rowland declared.
Lucas Faces Imprisonment and Deportation
Along with his jail sentence, Lucas faces deportation after serving his time. The decide additional said that it was extremely unlikely Lucas would ever return to England and Wales or be employed on any cruise ship worldwide.
Lucas’s protection legal professional, Richard Martin, argued that his shopper had been engaged on the cruise ship to help his spouse and prolonged household again in India. He acknowledged the severity of the crime however advised that Lucas’s profession can be irreparably destroyed.
Princess Cruises Condemns the Assault
Following the sentencing, Princess Cruises issued an announcement condemning the assault. A spokesperson reiterated that it didn’t mirror the corporate’s values. They confirmed that the assault had been instantly shared with regulation enforcement whereas Lucas’ employment was “promptly terminated.”
The cruise line additionally emphasised the protection of its ships, asserting that cruises stay typically for friends. “We aren’t going to reduce even one prison incident, however cruising is a protected vacation choice with crime charges far decrease than on land,” an organization consultant advised the information outlet.
Cruise ship sex-related crimes elevated in 2023.
