LEE Ryan has arrived at court today to appeal his conviction for racially abusing a British Airways flight attendant.
The Blue star, 39, drank half a bottle of port in the airport lounge before boarding a flight from Glasgow to London City Airport on July 31.
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The All Rise singer was found guilty of racially aggravated common assault by beating in January.
Ryan was seen walking into Westminster Magistrates’ Court wearing a black suit, white shirt and a pair of dark sunglasses.
It’s believed Ryan will be appealing the conviction during the hearing today.
He previously pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft and vowed to get help for his drinking.
Ryan was “slurring his words and staggering around” as he asked: “Do you know who I am?”
Ealing Magistrates’ Court heard he later called cabin crew worker Leah Gordon a racial slur – leaving her in tears.
He told police he would give Ms Gordon Blue tickets for their next tour as an apology.
Giving evidence at his trial, Ms Gordon said Ryan called her “beautiful” before grabbing her wrists and commenting on her “complexion”.
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She said: “It felt like he was saying I was beautiful for a black person because of the way he was describing my colour.”
The flight attendant also said Ryan approached her from behind and told her: “Before I get off this plane I need a kiss from you.”
She added: “I was intimidated, I felt a bit embarrassed like I wasn’t doing my duty properly.
“To get comments about my colour whether intentional or not, it was just unacceptable and so derogatory.
“I just felt like it wasn’t fair and I shouldn’t have to put up with it.
“I don’t go to work to be assaulted or harassed.”
He told the court his actions were “playful” and denied being racist.
The singer added: “I’m sorry.
“My band member is black, I’m not racist, I’ve had black girlfriends, mixed-race girlfriends.
“It was banter, just drunk banter I suppose, there was no malice or intention to upset anyone.”
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