Bishop off the Hook in Ri Dui Case

By Chris Raia
The Wwlp
June 4, 2013

http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/bishop-mcmanus-dui-charge-dropped1370368227552



[with video]

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) -- A few weeks after he agreed to a six-month license suspension and a $945 fine, criminal charges against Worcester Bishop Robert McManus were officially dismissed Tuesday morning.

McManus was not present in Wakefield District Court for the proceedings, but his lawyer was there.

"The bishop is sorry. He's remorseful for what occurred," said lawyer William Murphy. "He's a fine man, and this is just abhorrent behavior on his part. I think the whole community was saddened when they heard it happened."

Narragansett police arrested McManus May 4 on charges of drunk driving and leaving the scene of an accident, after he struck a car near his vacation home.

He initially pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor criminal charges. However, McManus later admitted in traffic court to refusing to submit to a chemical test. In exchange, Narragansett police agreed to drop the criminal charges against him.

"The normal practice in a case like this for a person who is a first-time offender, which the Bishop regrettably is a first-time offender, so in exchange for his plea at the traffic court, the town agreed to dismiss the charges here," said Murphy.

The refusal charge will result in a six-month license suspension, 10 hours of community service, mandatory DUI education classes and a $945 fine.

McManus has publicly apologized for his actions.