CONOR Mc Gregor was all smiles as he left court in Dublin today after appearing on dangerous driving charges – despite being heckled by an onlooker.
The case against the UFC star has been adjourned to January 11 as plans to make a “proposal to prosecution” are considered, a court heard.
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor arrives at Blanchardstown District Court in DublinPA:Press Association
McGregor’s case was adjourned until JanuaryPA
Conor McGregor was charged with six driving offencesInstagram @thenotoriousmma
Dawning a slick navy suit for the occasion, McGregor, 34, was dressed to impress as he arrived into Blanchardstown District Court yesterday morning.
McGregor, of The Paddocks, Castledillon, Straffan, Co Kildare, sat at the back of the public gallery while waiting for his case to be called, fist bumping onlookers as he made his way to the defendant’s bench.
During the brief hearing, the MMA star’s barrister David Staunton called for an adjournment for early next year so a “proposal to the prosecution” could be made.
Speaking for McGregor, who said nothing during the proceedings, he said: “The court very kindly facilitated an adjournment on the last occasion to allow matters following a new charge to be explored.
“We have instructions at the moment to make a proposal to the prosecution”.
He added that after speaking to arresting Garda Denis Lordon, “he will require the directions from the DPP”.
Judge David Mc Hugh noted that the matter has already been on the list for “some time”, arguing that the process has been going slower than he was led to believe.
He said: “I think on the last occasion you informed me that matters had been progressing at an appropriate pace.
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“We can’t be putting matters into the list and dealing with them in some way or putting them back for another date.”
Barrister Staunton added that he was “reluctant” to occupy a hearing date, saying: “I don’t think it will be required”.
Mc Gregor’s defence then proposed to push the hearing back January 11, stressing the need for, “a couple of weeks for practical purposes, and to suit the defendant if at all possible”.
Staunton assured matters would be disposed of on that date, believing only 15 to 20 minutes would be required for the hearing.
Judge Mc Hugh stressed his expectancy of “all matters proceeding on January 11”.
CHARGES
McGregor has been charged with six driving offences relating to an incident on the N4/M50 interchange in Lucan, west Dublin, when he was stopped by gardai on March 22.
McGregor, the world’s highest-paid athlete last year, had been travelling in his Bentley Continental GT when he was pulled over and arrested.
Among the offences are driving without insurance and a licence, failing to produce a certificate of insurance or licence, and careless driving.
The former UFC two-weight champion took some time to meet a young fan at the door of the courthouse before leaving the court and hopping into his Range Rover and driving off smiling with his entourage.
Speaking outside, McGregor said: “Feeling good, the weather’s all good, lovely day. It’s great to be back.”
PUB LOSSES
Separately, McGregor’s Black Forge Inn pub and restaurant in Crumlin in Dublin 12 last year recorded losses of €1.136m.
New accounts filed by McGregor’s Jemi Ventures Ltd show that the losses last year of €1.136m followed losses of €441,649 in 2020.
The business at the end of last December had accumulated losses of €1.578m.
The financial performance of the pub was badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
A spokesman for the Black Forge Inn said on Wednesday after only being open for a few months of 2021 “The Black Forge Inn, like countless others, was impacted by the pandemic shut down and reduced hours”.
He added: “We knew we would be operating at a loss but we continued to serve the community and immediately ramped up once we were allowed to open.”
McGregor signed an autograph for a fan outside courtPA
UFC star Conor McGregorPA:Press Association Read More