Parul was on her way to Amsterdam with her partner Dhiren when she says she was assaulted (Image: Parul Patel / SWNS)

British Airways slammed for offering pregnant woman champagne after she was attacked onboard

Parul Patel was 11-weeks pregnant as she was verbally and physically assaulted.

by · Daily Record

A pregnant who was travelling from Amsterdam with her partner claims she was assaulted on a British Airways flight and then offered a bottle of champagne as an apology.

Parul Patel flew back to London's Heathrow Airport at 11 weeks pregnant when she was assaulted onboard a BA flight, reports the Mirror. Parul claims a man "shoved" her after wrongly assuming she had pushed in before he told her: "Don't think I won't punch you in your f****** face."

The mum-to-be approached a member of staff following the incident and was given a bottle of champagne as an apology.

The business analyst, from Watford, Hertfordshire - who had been on holiday with her partner, Dhiren Raghvani - said: "I actually felt like this man was going to hurt me. I felt I was made to be the bad guy and I now feel fearful to confront anyone about anything."

Parul and Dhiren made their way to Amsterdam - but complained they were only offered a bottle of champagne after an assault (Image: Parul Patel / SWNS)

Parul and Dhiren, 32, an IT consultant, had travelled to Amsterdam to see a friend and were travelling home on August 19 when the incident occurred.

"It was supposed to be a joyous trip, but it ended in a nightmare," Parul said.

At around 4pm, Parul says a male traveller pushed her out of the way and accused her of trying to cut in front of him.

Parul said: "I was already standing in the aisle, and suddenly, he pushed me and said" 'Don't think I won't punch you in the f***ing face.' I was in shock."

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The situation escalated as the man continued to verbally abuse her - making threats and using abusive language.

A member of cabin crew tried to console her, but the experience left Parul shaken and fearful. "I asked them to call security," she said. "I was already in a state of shock, crying so much I could barely speak. I didn't really understand why she was giving us the bottle. It would make sense if we were talking about bad customer service, but we were dealing with common assault here."

After reporting the escapade to staff, Paril claims she felt her concerns were not taken as seriously as she would have pleased. She followed up with the airline and was offered a £50 voucher.

Parul said: "This wasn't about a delayed flight or lost luggage - this was a serious assault." To make matters worse, Parul encountered the same man again in the arrivals hall.

"I was in tears, and then he started again - this time with my partner, he squared up to me, swore at me, and cursed my unborn child," she said. "I was terrified - I actually felt like this man was going to hurt me and my baby."

Police were unable to take any action, despite the repeated threats and aggressive behaviour, according to Parul.

She said: "They said they didn't see him doing anything - except me swearing back at him.

"I struggled to sleep for a week after it happened. As a new mum and pregnant with my second child, I now feel scared to confront anyone. It's made me question my safety, especially as we hear so much about violence against women. It was so demoralising. I felt like I was made out to be the bad guy, when in reality, I was the one being threatened and assaulted."

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British Airways said: "We do not tolerate any kind of abuse against our colleagues or customers. A member of our cabin crew team offered assistance to our customer when this incident was brought to their attention, and it has been reported to the police."

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "Police were contacted about an altercation at Heathrow Airport on 19 August. A woman reported that she had been approached by a man inside the airport following a dispute that had begun on an inbound flight. Officers attended but the man had left the location.

"Officers spoke to the relevant airline who had no record of the dispute. They also spoke to two independent witnesses who provided information that did not support the woman's version of events. After assessing all of the information available, a decision was taken not to investigate further. The woman was informed of this. If any further information comes to light, this will be assessed and investigated accordingly."

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