Blue singer Lee Ryan has charge for assaulting police officer during drunken plane attack dropped
BLUE star Lee Ryan today had a charge of assaulting a police officer during a drunken plane attack dropped.
The singer, 40, previously admitted assaulting the cop after he was arrested for racially abusing a cabin crew member.
Ryan claimed he was "made to" plead guilty by his lawyer and launched an appeal to withdraw the admission.
The charge has now been dropped following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
The singer had sunk half a bottle of port and tucked into cheese in the BA lounge before boarding the flight at Glasgow.
Ryan was "slurring his words and staggering around" as he asked: "Do you know who I am?"
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Ealing Magistrates' Court heard he later called cabin crew worker Leah Gordon a racial slur - leaving her in tears.
Ryan was arrested at London City Airport by armed cops following the attack on July 31 and spent the night in the cells.
He later told police he would give Ms Gordon Blue tickets for their next tour as an apology.
The All Rise singer was found guilty in January of racially aggravated common assault by beating, which carries a maximum seven year sentence.
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Ryan was also convicted of common assault and behaving in an abusive manner towards cabin crew.
He previously pleaded guilty to being drunk on an aircraft and vowed to get help for his drinking.
Ryan formed boy band Blue in 2000 with Antony Costa, Duncan James and Simon Webbe.
They have since sold 14million records and had three Number 1 albums.
Their biggest hits include songs All Rise, Too Close, One Love and U Make Me Wanna.
Blue recently went on a 20th anniversary tour and released a new album, Heart & Soul.
Ryan will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on a date to be confirmed.
