Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary denied an allegation in the High Court yesterday that he was in contempt of a previous court order in relation to a pilot who claims the company has failed to restore him to flying duties.
Mr O'Leary, in an affidavit, said he absolutely rejected the contempt allegation and said there was no basis for his attachment or committal to prison or for the sequestration of the company's assets.
He said the previous court order specifically did not prevent Ryanair from making decisions about the suitability of the pilot, John Goss, to fly on bona fide safety grounds.
Mr Goss has brought an application to jail three Ryanair executives for alleged contempt: Mr O'Leary; the director of flight and ground operations, David O'Brien; and the company's chief pilot, Ray Conway.
The airline told Mr Goss in a letter of April 12th last that it was sensible and operationally appropriate that he should be suspended on full pay until a court hearing previously fixed for May 31st and any subsequent disciplinary process were concluded.
In submissions yesterday, senior counsel Hugh Mohan, for Mr Goss, said that since earlier proceedings, his client had not been put back on flying duties.
In his affidavit, Mr O'Leary said he rejected the allegations by Mr Goss that he was attempting to thwart or breach the court order.
Also in an affidavit, Mr O'Brien said he had no hand, act or part in the decision to stand down Mr Goss from the flying duties for which he had been rostered.
Mr Justice White at the end of yesterday's hearing commented: "I have observed Mr O'Leary chewing on a biro from time to time. Is that indicative of stress on the part of Mr O'Leary or lack of respect for this court? Please get instructions."
Richard Nesbitt SC in reply said: "He understands absolutely the importance of this court and is entirely understanding of your lordship's powers and is fully respectful of the court."
The hearing continues today.