Judge tells gardaí to notify MMA star Sinead Kavanagh of court date as solicitors' dispute delays cases

Tom Tuite

Gardaí must notify professional MMA fighter Sinead Kavanagh to appear in court over an alleged air rage incident, a judge has ordered.

The 40-year-old was due back at Dublin District Court on Thursday, where her case was listed to enter a plea, but she did not appear, and her lawyer was not present.

Currently, District Court cases are facing widespread delays due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors in a dispute with Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan over the introduction of a €520 flat-fee legal aid payment.

Judge Karen Dowling noted the accused had no record of bench warrants for failing to appear in court. Adjourning the case in her absence, the judge ordered gardaí to apprise the accused of the need to be in court in a week.

A summary of the prosecution evidence had been handed over previously.

Last month, her solicitor told the court that Kavanagh needed more time to determine whether there would be any additional disclosure from potential witnesses, given the location of the alleged incident.

The defence has said it was a matter that the gardaí had not witnessed. It was submitted that in those circumstances, there may be statements that should be furnished.

Kavanagh is accused of an offence under section 2 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act.

According to the charge, it is alleged that on March 8th, while on board Aer Lingus flight EI1765, which was within the jurisdiction of the State, she engaged in behaviour that was threatening and abusive.

The featherweight fighter and Inchicore native is a former five-time national boxing champion who represented Ireland alongside Katie Taylor at the 2012 World Championships. She later switched to professional mixed martial arts.

The mother of one has 28,000 Instagram followers and a profile that states: "Fighting is in my blood, True Dub".