Malcolm Byrne explains why he sought an adjournment in drink-driving case

Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne has told a court that he asked for his drink-driving case to be adjourned because he knew the judge. The politician appeared at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin on Monday, according to the report, in a case arising from an allegation that he drove while over the legal alcohol limit during the summer. Byrne is accused of drink-driving; the allegation is not a conviction. At the hearing, he said his familiarity with the judge was the reason he sought to have proceedings put off. The report does not give further detail about the exchange or say what the judge decided after the request. The case was adjourned, with the court matter set to return at a later date. Byrne’s explanation puts the focus on his connection to the judge and the handling of the proceedings, rather than on any determination of the underlying allegation. No outcome on the charge is reported. The article identifies Byrne as a Fianna Fáil TD and says he appeared in court on Monday. It does not provide details of the alleged incident beyond saying it took place over the summer, nor does it state when the next hearing is scheduled. For now, the case remains before the courts and the accusation has yet to be resolved.