The Cranberries’ vocalist Dolores O’Riordan pleaded guilty to assault after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant and three police officers during a November 2014 flight from New York City to Shannon, Ireland. O’Riordan faces possible jail time and will be sentenced at a later date in 2016.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Inspector Tom Kennedy described O’Riordan’s behavior as highly erratic and aggressive, with the singer reportedly stating, “you are not going to arrest me. I am an icon. I’m the Queen of Limerick, I pay my taxes, I pay your wages. I’m going to sue you.”
Appearing at Ennis District Court in County Clare, Ireland on Dec. 16, O’Riordan’s solicitor Bill O’Donnell stated that his client did not contest any of the evidence presented against her. He attributed her actions to the emotional distress caused by breakdowns in her marriage with former husband Donald Burton.
In the year following the incident, O’Riordan has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Evidence presented in court suggests her mental health issues played a key role in her behavior.
Judge Patrick Durcan has ordered O’Riordan to submit apology letters to those affected by the incident as he determines her sentencing.
The Cranberries’ latest studio album, Roses, was released in 2012.
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