An Indian-born biotech engineer who allegedly exposed himself on an Emirates flight from Dubai to the UK has admitted committing an act that was outrageous to public morals, the Daily Mail reported.Britto Lorence, 27, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates Court over the incident which occurred on a long-haul flight from Dubai to Newcastle in June last year.According to prosecutors, the incident occurred shortly after takeoff when Lourance was seated next to a woman and her young son.Prosecutor Brian Payne told the court the woman initially became concerned after noticing movement under a pillow in Lorence’s lap and feared he might have a concealed weapon.The court heard she later realized Lorenz had exposed himself and informed the crew, who detained him during the flight.In a victim impact statement read out in court, the woman said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident.“I was trying to control my emotions to stop myself from causing further panic in my son,” she said.The woman, originally from Australia, was initially expected to give evidence via video link before Lorence admitted the offence.Payne told the court that Lourens denied deliberately exposing himself during the police interview but later admitted he had been masturbating.Andy O’Hanlon, defending, said Lourens fell asleep during the flight, woke up feeling uncomfortable and moved his private parts outside of his underwear.Originally from Kerala, Lorens moved to the UK to study for a Masters in Biotechnology and Food Science.Court documents say he previously worked as a development technology specialist at Zaara Biotech LLC.District Judge Kate Meek adjourned the case until June 2 for sentencing and said all sentencing options remained open, including immediate imprisonment or transfer to the Crown Court.
