( Daily Mail ) A British businessman has been charged with raping a British Airways flight attendant on the island of Barbados.
Daniel Johnson appeared before magistrates in the island capital Bridgetown to be formally charged with the offence.
Johnson, 41, was granted bail of £4,000 but ordered to hand over his passport so he could not leave the island.
Magistrate Ian Weekes also ordered him to report to a police station twice a week as part of the bail conditions.
Johnson is partner in a business selling electric vehicles called Endless Electrics and has lived in Barbados for the past seven years.
The alleged rape took place at a five-star hotel during a stop over for the crew member who is in her 20s.
Police said Johnson was known to the woman and they had been out for a meal along with other BA crew.
The alleged victim claimed she was attacked after inviting him back to her £300 a night hotel room during a stopover between flights.
The woman remained on the island while police launched an investigation into the rape allegation.
A BA flight from Barbados to London earlier this week had to be cancelled after four of the woman’s colleagues were asked to make statements to police.
More than 150 passengers were put up in a hotel overnight unaware of the shocking reason for the sudden cancellation.
British Airways sent out their own investigator and support help to the crew member while police carried out their inquiries.
Police were initially unable to locate the suspect, but he was later arrested.
Questioning by detectives had to be postponed after the suspect was found to have Covid.
Barbados Police spokesman Inspector Rodney Innis said: ‘Employees from the British Airways have given statements on the matter.
An airline source said ‘This has been an unimaginable time for the stewardess and her flight colleagues.
‘What was one of the most magical parts of working for BA – heading out on the town in Barbados and staying at a lavish hotel – turned into a nightmare.
‘The stewardess was brave enough to go to the police and report the attack.
‘And her colleagues did not hesitate to provide supporting statements as part of the ongoing investigation.’
Another insider said: ‘BA bosses did not hesitate to cancel the flight home, despite the cost and inconvenience to passengers. Staff is always the priority in these situations.
‘The airline has experienced support now on the ground in Barbados and everything will be done to look after the woman and her colleagues.
‘Everyone is rooting for the stewardess and supporting the Barbados police in every way possible.’
Johnson was not asked to enter a plea and will appear back in court next month
He was represented by a local lawyer Lalu Hanuman.