Cork DJ Prendeville to remain off-air

Cork radio presenter Neil Prendeville will remain off airwaves for the foreseeable future, bosses at station 96FM confirmed today.

The station broke its silence on the matter, saying there had been huge public interest in the future of Mr Prendeville following an incident last month when he exposed himself and masturbated on a flight from London to Cork.

96FM chief executive Kieran McGeary said the star would not be back on the air until investigations by gardaí had been fully completed. Mr Prendeville, left, is not expected to return until at least the New Year.

“This step allows both the station and the gardaí to complete their investigations into the matter. I think it is also important that there’s time for Neil and his family to deal with the situation,” said Mr McGeary.

He said that people had expressed both concern about what had happened and support for Mr Prendeville since the incident was revealed last month.

“There’s been an extraordinary amount of public interest in this matter and the station has heard from people expressing concern but it is fair to say we have also had significant support from the public for ourselves and Neil and we are very grateful for all the feedback,” added Mr McGeary.

After the incident, the presenter said he had taken a toxicology test to prove that he was not using drugs and said he was seeking counselling to help guide his children through the turmoil.

He claimed he didn’t remember anything about the incident on the flight after he had mixed alcohol and painkillers.

Celebrity solicitor Gerald Kean, who is representing Mr Prendeville, said he had no comment to make on the situation today.

Mr McGeary said the radio station would not be making a further comment on the matter before the New Year.

A garda spokesman said today their investigation into the incident was continuing.

This story courtesy of the Evening Echo