71-Year-Old Briton Arrested for Alleged Homophobic Assault on Australian-Bound Cruise: A Shocking Incident at Sea

The 71-year-old was aboard the Discovery Princess, traveling from Dunedin in New Zealand to Sydney, at the time of the alleged incident.

According to witnesses, the altercation occurred last Tuesday; however, the arrest was not made until the cruise ship reached Sydney on Saturday, as detailed by The Sun.

Shell Guchi, a passenger who observed the event, shared, “The assault happened while we were still on the ship. We did not turn back.”

Fellow passenger Shell Guchi, who witnessed the alleged attack, said: ‘The assault took place while we were on board. We were not turned around.’ 

‘He deserves the maximum penalty for this savagely brutal attack on an innocent gay man, after a verbal attack about him being gay. 

‘The younger man left and the old b*****d followed him and savagely beat him,’ she added. 

The Brit has since been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, which carries a penalty of five years imprisonment. 

He is due to appear in court on February 18. 

A British tourist has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a gay man on board a cruise ship sailing to Australia. Pictured: The Discovery Princess cruise ship, where the alleged assault took place

The Australian Federal Police’s Detective acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said: ‘The repercussions of alleged criminal behaviour remain even when an offence occurs at sea.

‘Where Australian law applies under the Crimes at Sea framework, the AFP will move swiftly to investigate incidents and bring alleged offenders before the courts.’

He continued: ‘We work closely with cruise operators and maritime partners to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, and to make it clear unlawful behaviour on vessels connected to Australia will be addressed.’