Judge cancels bench warrant for MMA star Sinead Kavanagh

Tom Tuite

A judge has cancelled a bench warrant issued for professional MMA fighter Sinead Kavanagh, after it emerged there was no evidence she had been notified of her new court date over an alleged air rage incident.

The 40-year-old was due back at Dublin District Court on Thursday to enter a plea, but did not appear, while her lawyer was also absent due to ongoing industrial action by legal practitioners.

Judge Karen Dowling initially issued a bench warrant. However, at the subsequent court sitting, the judge vacated the warrant after noting there was no proof she had been successfully notified of the July 23 court date.

Judge Dowling adjourned the case until September and remanded Ms Kavanagh on continuing bail in her absence.

Ms Kavanagh is accused of an offence under Section 2 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act. It is alleged that on March 8, while on board Aer Lingus flight EI1765 within the jurisdiction of the State, she engaged in threatening and abusive behaviour.

Defence solicitors previously informed the court that additional time was needed to seek witness statements, noting that Gardaí had not directly witnessed the alleged incident.

A summary of prosecution evidence has already been served.

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 before switching 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".