Irish Olympic showjumper Bertram Allen was convicted of drink-driving causing damage in a Florida court after changing his plea to guilty following a failed legal challenge to suppress statements made to arresting officers, The Irish Times reported.
Arrest on Southern Boulevard
The incident unfolded when officer Lester Escaran observed a four-door white Florida-registered vehicle featuring front-end damage in the inside centre lane of Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. Samuel Bertram Allen was sitting in the driver’s seat at the scene. According to the arrest report, the officer noted that Allen displayed glassy, watery eyes and an odour of an unknown alcoholic beverage emanating from the vehicle’s interior.
When Allen exited the automobile, police observed an orbital sway while he stood. Allen stated to law enforcement that he was driving and attempted to stop his vehicle, but could not avoid colliding with the car in front of him. He informed officers that he was coming from Okeechobee Steakhouse after landing in Florida earlier that day on a flight from Amsterdam.
Allen pleads guilty after failing sobriety tests
Allen faced arrest after failing a series of field sobriety tests at the scene. Transported for breathalyser tests, results showed he was over three times the legal limit. His defense team initially sought to strike out incriminating statements made to police on the grounds that he was too intoxicated to consent to an interview. Once the court denied that motion, Allen altered his plea to guilty.
Appearing via Zoom for a hearing, Allen testified that he splits his time between Germany and Ireland and did not understand the US criminal justice system. The court was informed he could not return to the United States until immigration issues stemming from the case were resolved.
Judge sentences Allen to probation and fines
Judge August Bonavita sentenced Allen to 12 months of probation and issued a fine of $1,526, which included court costs. The judge additionally ordered $2,149.75 in restitution paid to the owner of the car involved in the crash. Allen’s driving licence was revoked for 12 months, and he must complete DUI School along with 75 hours of community service.
Attorney Julian Kessel represented Allen in the legal proceedings. Kessel previously described his client to The Irish Times as a good, skilled, and fair young man and an accomplished equestrian player.
Equestrian Career Context
Allen was competing in Florida during the 12-week Winter Spectacular Show Series in Ocala when the crash occurred. He is ranked 55th in the world in the latest Fédération Equestre Internationale rankings. Earlier this year, he competed as part of the Irish showjumping team that secured qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. He previously represented Ireland at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He is the son of Bert Allen, a multimillionaire whose family formerly owned Slaney Foods.
Common Questions Regarding the Case
Why did Bertram Allen change his plea to guilty?
Allen changed his plea after failing in a legal attempt to strike out incriminating statements he made to police following his arrest, which his defense argued he was too drunk to consent to giving.
What were the breathalyser results?
Breathalyser tests administered after his arrest showed that Allen was over three times the legal driving limit.
Where was Allen competing at the time of his arrest?
Allen was in Florida to compete in the 12-week Winter Spectacular Show Series held in Ocala.
What specific penalties did the judge impose?
Judge August Bonavita ordered 12 months of probation, a $1,526 fine including court costs, $2,149.75 in restitution, a 12-month driving licence revocation, 75 hours of community service, and attendance at DUI School.