WASHINGTON (TIP): An Indian software consultant, on a work visa in the US, was convicted by a Chicago court on December 14 of groping a woman while they were seated next to each other aboard an airplane. Srinivasa S Erramilli, 45, remains free on bond pending sentencing, which has been set for April 26, 2013, by US district judge Joan H Lefkow. He faces a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Incidentally he was convicted twice previously for nearly identical crimes. Evidence at the trial showed that Erramilli was the last passenger to board a Southwest Airlines flight to Chicago’s Midway Airport on June 14, 2011, and was seated in the only open seat available between the victim, who had chosen a window seat to sleep during the flight, and her husband, who had chosen an aisle seat to enable easier access during the flight.