RTÉ HAS suspended radio presenter Baz Ashmawy for one month without pay following a drink-driving incident last weekend.
Ashmawy, who presents a weekend breakfast show on RTÉ’s 2fm with Lucy Kennedy, was arrested in the early hours of Friday, February 25th, on Lower Rathmines Road in Dublin, after his car crashed into a parked car. He had been attempting to park his car. He was arrested at the scene and later charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol. In a statement yesterday, Ashmawy said he “unreservedly acknowledged” that driving with excess alcohol was unacceptable.
“I want to offer my sincere apologies to the third party and An Garda Síochána involved in this matter for the inconvenience caused.
“I also wish to apologise to my partner, our family, RTÉ, all my colleagues and, indeed, my listeners. As a father and a public broadcaster it is up to me to show a greater example. I will, as a matter of certainty, learn from this significant error of judgment.”
RTÉ said it took the issue of drink-driving very seriously and the news of Ashmawy’s arrest was very serious. Given the age profile of his listenership “this is something that RTÉ cannot ignore”.
“We are relieved that the incident in question was a relatively minor one and unlike many more serious car crashes every year where lives are lost. Thankfully, no one was injured on this occasion.
“With this in mind RTÉ radio has decided to suspend Mr Ashmawy without pay for a period of one month,” it said.
