Updated 5.15 PM
THE NIECE OF fashion designer Ralph Lauren appeared before an Irish court today over an incident on board a flight that was diverted to Shannon Airport.
Jewellery designer Jennifer Lauren appeared before Killaloe District Court, where she was accused of breaching the peace on board a transatlantic Delta Air Lines flight.
It is alleged that Lauren was drunk, threatening and verbally abusive on the New York-bound plane which departed from Barcelona.
Lauren, 41, swore an oath on a Bible, then confirmed her name, American nationality and passport details.
The judge, Patrick Durcan, freed her on bail of €2,500 and ordered her to stay at a hotel in Shannon, report to gardaí, and surrender her passport.
She offered no plea to three charges of making threats and abusive comments, exhibiting drunkenness severe enough to pose a danger to herself and others, and behaving in an obnoxious and offensive fashion.
Lauren’s New York-based team of lawyers said that she intended to plead guilty to all three counts at Ennis District Court tomorrow.
The Irish law governing “air rage” cases gives wide latitude to the judge to impose sentences ranging from probation to, in cases of hijacking, life in prison.
But court officials said the typical handling of cases like Lauren’s involve imposition of a cash fine and a suspended sentence.
Lauren was held in custody at Shannon Garda Station overnight after the incident yesterday.
Garda Yvette Walsh testified that Lauren told officers as they were explaining the reasons for her arrest, “Can you say that in English, please?”
The Killaloe court sitting took place in the downstairs function room of the Brian Ború on the Hill pub in the town.
The sitting was held there due to the lack of a court in the town.
- Additional reporting by Associated Press
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