A passenger on a Singapore Airlines flight molested an air stewardess, with his friends laughing in response.

When the woman went to report the incident to her supervisor, the culprit followed her into the galley, stood extremely close to her and cornered her.

The flight captain reported the incident and a police report was lodged, leading to the man’s arrest when he arrived at Changi Airport.

Akash Tiwari, a 35-year-old Indian national, was sentenced to six months’ jail on Monday. He was also ordered to pay the victim about S$1,270 (US$982.25) in compensation.

He pleaded guilty to one count of molestation and one count of causing distress by his threatening behaviour.

The court heard that Tiwari was on a flight to Singapore in February this year.