GARDAÍ IN Cork have begun an investigation after receiving a complaint from Aer Lingus staff regarding the behaviour of local radio presenter Neil Prendeville on board a flight from London to Cork last month.
Gardaí have taken witness statements from a number of Aer Lingus crew on board the flight, from Heathrow to Cork on October 19th, and plan to interview passengers in the coming days.
Supt Charlie Barry of Togher Garda station said a file on the matter would be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
A spokeswoman for Aer Lingus yesterday refused to comment on the incident involving the presenter of the highly popular Neil Prendeville Showon Cork's 96FM, saying it was "a security-related matter".
It is understood Prendeville exposed himself under a copy of Carainflight magazine while sitting in a seat at the front of the Aer Lingus aircraft as it was preparing for take-off at Heathrow.
The incident was witnessed by two female cabin crew members who were seated opposite him during take-off and by two passengers sitting beside him, a male passenger and a female reporter from the Irish Examiner,which carried a report on the incident yesterday.
Yesterday Prendeville did not present his morning show, which has a daily listenership of almost 100,000, but the station broadcast an interview in which he issued an emotional apology for his behaviour.
He confirmed he had travelled on the flight in question but said he had no recollection of the incident, as he had taken painkilling tablets prior to both outward and return flights, and had consumed a large amount of alcohol while attending a function in London.
"As a result I remember absolutely nothing about the flight itself or even coming through the airport, or even how I got home. If the reports [in the Irish Examiner] are true, and I can't deny that they are, not because I just don't recall, and I'd like to take this opportunity to offer my deepest apologies to the passengers on the plane, to the flight personnel, to my family, to my employers and my work colleagues and all of the people of Cork, and I apologise unreservedly to all concerned."
Prendeville said he hoped others would learn from his “terrible personal experience” and would not mix painkillers or any tablets with alcohol. He thanked people for support he had received and has taken some time off work.
“Anybody who knows me will hopefully confirm that what is contained in this story is totally out of character, and again my sincerest apologies,” said Prendeville.
