The Deacon's Bench
Bishop Robert J. McManus has lost his license for six months after admitting to refusing a chemical test after his arrest this month on drunken driving charges.
The head of the Diocese of Worcester appeared Tuesday at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal in Wakefield, R.I. Court administrator Thomas Laliberte said Bishop McManus pleaded guilty in front of Magistrate William T. Noonan.
Diocese spokesman Raymond Delisle confirmed the events in the traffic tribunal.
Bishop McManus paid approximately $900 in fines and court costs. He must complete 10 hours of community service and participate in alcohol education programs, Mr. Laliberte said. A lane roadway violation charge was dismissed per the Narragansett Police Department.
Bishop McManus’ lawyer, Williams J. Murphy, said the drunken driving charge will be dismissed by Narragansett police as part of the agreement when his client admitted to refusing the chemical breath test.
Mr. Murphy reiterated that the bishop was saddened by what happened and that he has apologized to the people of Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The bishop was deeply embarrassed and asks forgiveness for his error in judgment, said Mr. Murphy, a former speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives.
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