Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne charged with drink-driving at twice legal limit
Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne appeared at Dublin District Court on drink-driving charges. His case has been adjourned until 23 March next year.
Fianna Fáil TD in court over drink-driving charge
Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne appeared at Dublin District Court on Tuesday charged with drink-driving, independent.ie reports.
The Wicklow-Wexford TD was arrested on 28 May while travelling from his hotel to Dublin Airport. The charge states that at Pearse Street Garda Station that day, the concentration of alcohol in his urine measured 156mg per 100ml — more than twice the statutory limit of 67mg.
Byrne, 52, from Ramsgate Village in Gorey, Co Wexford, attended the brief hearing but did not speak. Judge Tom McSharry was told it was the first court appearance on the matter and adjourned proceedings until 23 March next year. His defence sought an order for disclosure of the prosecution's evidence.
Shortly after his arrest, Byrne confirmed he was under investigation for drink-driving, said he would cooperate fully with the process, and that he had informed Fianna Fáil. He subsequently stepped down as Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Artificial Intelligence, citing "the seriousness of the matter" and respect for his fellow committee members.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the matter as "very serious" at the time and said he awaited developments. Asked whether Byrne would face political consequences if charged, Martin said he would not "pre-empt the full facts".
Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)