For a third time, an Indian software consultant has been convicted by a US court 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 at a Chicago court.        

Erramilli, on a work visa in the US, 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.