Thorbjorn Olesen pleads not guilty to sexual assault

Ryder Cup winner Thorbjorn Olesen has pleaded not guilty three charge, including sexual assualt, following a flight from Nashville to Heathrow last this month.

The Dane was arrested on July 29 on suspicion of sexual assault, being drunk on an aircraft and common assault during a flight from Nashville to London following the WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational.

The 29-year-old was taken into custody before being released. He was subsequently charged on all three counts and ordered to appear before Magistrates in London today.

Olesen, who was part of the European side that won the Ryder Cup at
Le Golf National just under a year ago, has been suspended by the European Tour pending the outcome of the legal proceedings.

The case will now be heard by a jury at Isleworth Crown Court on September 18 – the day before the BMW PGA Championship gets underway at Wentworth.

• Poulter brilliantly trolls USA with new headcovers

• EXPLAINED – How the FedEx Cup finale works

According to reporters inside Uxbridge Magistrates Court, Olesen spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth and nationality, as well as enter his not guilty pleas.

REVIEWED – TITLEIST TS1 & TS4 DRIVERS

Prosecutor Rav Chodha alleged that Olesen had been drunk and part of a
group that had behaved loudly on the British Airways BA222 flight. He
further claimed that he had grabbed a woman’s breat after kissing her
neck and that he urinated in the aisle after drinking Champagne.

• Outrage as council votes to close Scots course

• European Tour takes action on slow play

The
prosecutor added that, if convicted, Olesen should face a “mid to high
level community order” or even a three-week custodial sentence.

Olesen’s
lawyer, Paul Morris, explained in court that the Dane had taken
medicine before the flight. Samples have been taken that have not yet
been analysed.

The Dane has been released on unconditional bail pending further proceedings.