International human rights lawyer jailed for spitting at air crew found dead

Avatar photo

By Thomas Connelly on

Body of Simone Burns discovered at Beachy Head cliffs in East Sussex

An international human rights lawyer jailed for spitting at a flight attendant who refused her more alcohol has reportedly died days after being released from prison.

The body of Simone Burns, 50, was discovered at the foot of Beachy Head cliffs in East Sussex on 1 June, police confirmed. Her death came 13 days after she was released from Bronzefield women’s prison on licence following the drunken rant at Air India cabin staff last November.

According to reports at the time, Burns had been served three bottles of red wine but declared “I’m a f****** international lawyer” when she was denied more. She also called staff “Indian money-grabbing c***s”, spat at one of them and smoked a cigarette in the toilet.

The latest comments from across Legal Cheek

The incident, which occurred on a flight from Mumbai to Heathrow, was recorded by another passenger and posted online. In April, Burns was sentenced to six months for being drunk on an aircraft and assault.

A friend, who did not want to be named, told the Telegraph that Burns’ world “fell apart” after her conviction and she became a target for internet trolls.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “The body of a woman found at Beachy Head on June 1 has been identified as Simone Burns from Hove. The death is not being treated as suspicious and the next of kin have been informed. The matter has been passed to the coroner’s officer.”

Feeling stressed? You can contact LawCare by calling 0800 279 6888 in the UK.

Comments on this article are closed.

Related Stories

Lawyer who spat at flight attendant during drunken racist rant jailed for six months

Human rights specialist pleaded guilty last month to assault and being drunk on an aircraft

Apr 4 2019 5:01pm

International human rights lawyer faces jail after spitting at flight attendant during drunken racist rant

Simone Burns flew into a rage after being refused booze, court hears

Mar 7 2019 9:54am