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Ryder Cup-winning golfer Thorbjorn Olesen cleared of sex assault
Published 18:01 8 Dec 2021 GMT
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Olesen was found not guilty of sexual assault and assault by beating
Golfer Thorbjorn Olesen has been found not guilty of sexual assault, assault by beating and being drunk on a British Airways flight. The Ryder Cup winner had denied the charges during a three-day trial at Aldersgate House Nightingale Court in London, which began on Monday. The court heard that Olesen had "grabbed and rubbed the breast" of a woman, sworn at members of the cabin crew and "urinated" over another passenger and in the aisle. Olesen boarded a flight from Nashville to Heathrow on 29 July 2019 after competing at the World Golf Championships-FedEx St Jude Invitational.Speaking about his behaviour, he blamed it on sleeping pills, suggesting that he was was not in control of his body after taking tablets bought on a "dodgy website" by his partner.
The jury heard that Olesen had no recollection of his behaviour onboard the aircraft after took the pills and drank alcohol.
When asked by his barrister, Trevor Burke QC, about the allegations, Olesen said: "I felt absolutely horrible and I was very sorry. I could not believe what they were saying happened.
When asked by his barrister, Trevor Burke QC, about the allegations, Olesen said: "I felt absolutely horrible and I was very sorry. I could not believe what they were saying happened.
"I was just embarrassed and felt horrible."
After the not guilty verdict was delivered, Olesen issued a statement apologising "wholeheartedly" for his behaviour on the flight.
"I am embarrassed and ashamed by the account of my actions that was outlined during the trial," he said.
"I have paid a very heavy price for my mistake. This case has had a devastating impact on me personally, on my family, and on my career."
Following the news that he had been cleared, Olesen cried and hugged his partner.
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