Galway ‘spiritual healer’ receives suspended prison term for sexually assaulting teenager on flight

A 59-year-old man known as a “spiritual healer” and farmer from County Galway has been given a suspended prison term after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old American girl on an Aer Lingus flight. The case came to light following an incident on a transatlantic flight from Shannon Airport to Boston on November 15, 2023, which ended with the plane diverting back to Ireland due to the assault. Patrick Noone, who resides in Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, was sentenced at Ennis Circuit Court on Friday by Judge Francis Comerford. The judge imposed a suspended 20-month prison term for two counts of sexual assault against the teenager. According to court records, Noone, who described himself as a spiritual healer, was seated in the middle of the plane to be close to the victim. The teenager, whose family members were seated directly across from her, recounted in a victim impact statement that Noone touched her inappropriately multiple times during the flight. During the incident, Noone reportedly gropped the teenager and kissed her arm, telling her, “Oh God, I would shift you if I was 20 years younger.” The teenager, who is American, stated that she did not understand the meaning of the word “shift” at the time. She also recalled that Noone made other inappropriate remarks, including saying, “I wouldn’t want your Mum or Granny to see this, do you know what I mean?” The assault occurred while the seat belt lights remained on, leaving the teenager feeling trapped. She explained that she used gummy bears as a distraction to prevent Noone from touching her further. After alerting the cabin crew, the pilot informed them of the situation and decided to return the plane to Shannon Airport. Noone was subsequently arrested and taken to University Hospital Limerick via ambulance due to complaints of chest pain. The cost of the diverted flight exceeded €28,000. When questioned by police, Noone expressed horror and shock over the allegations, claiming he had no memory of the incident. His defense counsel, Antoinette Simon, noted that Noone has no prior criminal record and cooperated with investigators. Simon emphasized that Noone is a spiritual healer who travels internationally to conduct his work and also leads guided tours on his farm related to his spiritual practices. The teenager’s victim impact statement detailed the emotional trauma caused by the assault. She described feeling violated and terrified, stating that she believed Noone might have gone further if the incident had continued. She condemned the act as deeply perverse and profoundly violating, stressing that such behavior should never be tolerated, especially by someone in his position. Judge Comerford acknowledged the seriousness of the offense, noting that although the assault occurred outside the victim’s clothing, it was still a grave violation of a minor. The judge also rejected a claim that Noone suffered an acquired brain injury from a horse-related incident earlier in 2023. A probation report indicated that Noone poses a low risk of reoffending. As part of the sentence, Noone’s name will be registered on the sex offenders’ register. The case highlights the complexities of cross-border legal issues and the challenges faced by victims of sexual misconduct in international settings.