Andrew Carey at Killaloe District Court
THE niece of iconic fashion designer Ralph Lauren is to be sentenced tomorrow on air rage charges after she made a €2,500 cash lodgment for her temporary release from custody today.
Jennifer Lauren (41) was arrested at Shannon Airport on Monday afternoon following an incident on board a Delta Airlines flight where it is alleged Ms Lauren engaged in a behaviour of a threatening, abusive or insulting nature with intent to cause a breach of the peace.
Shannon based gardai were called to the airport on Monday shortly after 2pm where Ms Lauren was taken from a Delta Airlines flight, DL477, bound for JFK airport in New York having departed Barcelona earlier in the day.
Garda Evette Walsh gave evidence this Tuesday before Judge Patrick Durcan at Killaloe District Court of arresting the 41 year old.
Ms Lauren was removed from the flight after an incident on board and the flight diverted to Shannon airport after Ms Lauren refused to cease her behaviour. She was taken to Shannon Garda Station where she was charged.
Ms Lauren is also charged with being intoxicated on board the flight to such and extent as would give rise to a reasonable apprehension that she may be of a danger to herself or other persons onboard the aircraft.
A third charge alleging that the niece of the multi million dollar fashion designer engaged in behaviour likely to cause serious offence to or annoyance to persons onboard the flight was also put to the 41 year old.
The charges are contrary to section 2 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act.
During the court hearing, Gda Walsh told the court that Ms Lauren asked “can you say that in English please”, when the charges were put to her at Shannon Garda Station.
When formerly charged, Ms Lauren made no reply.
Visibly shaken and weeping while in custody of three Shannon based gardai, Ms Lauren, the court was told had €800 in cash with her and was willing to enter a guilty plea before the court.
Ms Lauren gave evidence before Judge Durcan that she was an American national and did not have any other passport or dual citizenship in another country. She remained silent for the duration of the proceedings.
However Judge Patrick Durcan said that a €2,500 cash lodgement would be required to secure bail and the matter would be adjourned until tomorrow’s sitting of Ennis District Court where Ms Lauren would be sentenced.
He said that the court would not be in a position to deal with the plea today and urged Inspector Tom Kennedy to have certain information before tomorrow’s court.
The court is to hear details of the incident, the costs that have been incurred by all parties including those to the airline and to the Shannon Airport Authority.
Judge Durcan also ordered that information relating to the nature of the flight, the number of passengers onboard and how they were discommoded be provided to the court so as to appropriately sentence the accused.
Jennifer Lauren was released on bail until tomorrow’s sitting of Ennis District Court pending that she sign on a Shannon garda station later this evening, reside at the Oakwood Arms hotel and leave her passport surrendered to An Garda Siochana pending the finalisation of the matter.
