Ryanair passenger filmed in racist rant faces prosecution in Spain, report says

'It’s going to take time but we’re happy that this is being taken seriously,' says victim's daughter

A Ryanair passenger who called an elderly woman an “ugly black b******” will reportedly be prosecuted in Spain.

David Mesher was filmed launching a racist tirade against fellow passenger Delsie Gayle, 78, on a flight from Barcelona to London on 19 October, 2018.

On Monday, Essex Police confirmed he would not face criminal charges in the UK, as prosecutors had no authority to bring charges against him over the altercation, which happened on the tarmac in Spain before the plane took off.

But a prosecutor in Barcelona has launched proceedings against Mr Mesher, the director of citizen’s rights at Barcelona City Hall told HuffPost UK.

“In October, when everything happened, we denounced the situation to the prosecutor and he believes there is a case, so he’s actually prosecuting the case,” Aida Guillen told the site. “The case is open.”

She added: “The judiciary here in Spain goes slow – so this will not happen quickly.

“Barcelona City Council has provided the prosecutor with the information regarding the victim and the testimony; he has everything in his hands and has reaffirmed to us today that there is a case and he will go on with it.”

She said the prosecutor will collate evidence and discuss with British authorities whether the case will be dealt with in the UK or Spain.

The Indepenent has contacted Ms Guillen for comment.

“It’s going to take time but we’re happy that this is being taken seriously,” Ms Gayle’s daughter, Carol, told HuffPost UK.

Footage showed Mr Mesher calling Ms Gayle an “ugly black b******” and shouting: “Don’t talk to me in a foreign language you stupid ugly cow.”

He was not removed from the flight and Ms Gayle moved seats.

In an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain after the argument Mr Mesher apologised, denied he is racist and put the abuse down to “a fit of temper”.

But Ms Gayle and her daughter rejected the apology.