On-the-run architect who drunkenly assaulted Virgin Atlantic flight attendant while accusing her of racism is SACKED from plum role

Architect Simone de Gale has been removed from the judging panel of this year’s World Architecture Festival after she was convicted in her absence over an incident aboard a Virgin Atlantic flight. A warrant was issued for her arrest after she failed to attend court, where she faced charges arising from her conduct on a flight from Dubai to London.

The court heard that on 5 February de Gale shouted at and swore at crew after being asked not to disturb sleeping passengers, including a baby, and grabbed and jabbed flight attendant Sarah Jane Buckland. De Gale, 44, was found guilty of four offences, including assault by beating and being drunk aboard an aircraft. The festival, which is being held in Florida, said organisers had asked her to step down from the panel.