MMA Fighter Arrested for Assaulting Police Officers on Plane
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An Irish Mixed Martial Arts fighter, Sinead Kavanagh, was recently arrested for allegedly attacking two Spanish police officers while aboard a Ryanair flight from Gran Canaria to Dublin. The incident took place on Monday, Nov. 24, with Spanish outlets Atlántico Hoy and Canarias 7 reporting on the unfolding events.
According to reports, the Civil Guard responded to reports of violent behaviour from Kavanagh before takeoff. The 39-year-old fighter reportedly resisted arrest and assaulted two officers on the aircraft, leading to her eventual detention at the airport. Video footage captured by a passenger shows Kavanagh grappling with officers in a chaotic scene onboard the plane.
A spokesperson for the Civil Guard confirmed that the pilot had requested police presence due to disruptive passengers, resulting in Kavanagh’s altercation with the officers. Following her arrest, Kavanagh appeared in court in Telde, Spain the next day and was released on bail. She is currently under investigation for charges of assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.
It was reported that one of the officers involved in the incident required medical leave following the altercation. The Unified Association of Civil Guards condemned the attack, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with such situations.
Kavanagh, known for her achievements in MMA, holds five championship titles and competes in the featherweight division of Bellator MMA. A former amateur boxer from Dublin, she transitioned to mixed martial arts and is affiliated with the SBG Ireland team, sharing a connection with MMA star Conor McGregor.
The Unified Association of Civil Guards expressed concern over the lack of resources available to them when handling such incidents. Highlighting the risks faced by law enforcement officers, they emphasised the need for better support and protection in such circumstances.
PEOPLE has reached out to both the Civil Guard and Ryanair for comments regarding the incident but has yet to receive a response. Stay updated on this developing story by signing up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter for the latest updates on this and other news stories.
In conclusion, the incident involving Sinead Kavanagh’s arrest for assaulting police officers on a plane sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in ensuring public safety. It also underscores the importance of supporting officers in handling potentially dangerous situations effectively to prevent further altercations.