Ms. O’Riordan was reportedly heard singing in the cell where she was being detained after being arrested at Shannon airport over an alleged case of air rage.
The incident allegedly took place about Aer Lingus flight EI-110 from New York to Shannon. The flight was due to land at 5am, but arrived 20 minutes ahead of schedule. Passengers were not allowed to disembark until 5am, however, as ground handling staff begin working at that time.
Ms. O’Riordan is said to have become disruptive about 20 minutes before landing, when she left her seat and refused to sit back down. She allegedly stamped on a flight attendant’s foot. The 43-year-old singer became agitated again while the aircraft was on the ground. Gardai was called and she was arrested after leaving the plane.
The incident escalated further when Ms. O’Riordan allegedly headbutted and spat on a garda’s face.
She was taken to Shannon Garda Station and held in a cell, where she was heard ‘singing’. Gardai became concerned and a doctor was called. Upon assessment, Ms. O’Riordan was taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment. She was released from hospital into the care of her mother yesterday afternoon.
A file was sent to the DPP in relation to the incident, and Ms. O’Riordan may face charges of assault.