Pro golfer ’embarrassed ‘at drunken meltdown on BA flight
Ryder Cup golfer Thorbjorn Olesen spoke of the ’embarrassment’ at having to explain his ‘completely bizarre’ behaviour during a BA transatlantic flight.
Olesen was in a London court to answer charges of sexual assault, assault by beating and being drunk on an aircraft in 2019.
Aldersgate House Nightingale Court heard that Olesen ‘ran around the cabin like a little boy,’ became verbally abusive to cabin crew and inappropriately touched a woman.
He allegedly urinated on another passenger’s seat, the jury was told.
Olesen, of Chelsea, denies the charges.
In giving evidence the former World No 51 said he has no memory of the flight after downing sleeping pills.
"I felt absolutely horrible and I was very sorry. I could not believe what they were saying what happened," he said.
He drank beer, wine and vodka before medication for jet lag.
The incident has affected his career, he said, with his ranking tumbling to 440th in the world.
He also lost lucrative sponsorship deals.
"I think it’s been very difficult to concentrate and play when you don’t know if you have ruined your career and maybe never play professional golf again," he told the court.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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