Irish equestrian star Bertram Allen, a former Olympian and member of Ireland’s 2024 Nations Cup team, is seeking to suppress evidence from a police interrogation in a Florida drink-driving case, arguing he was too impaired to understand his legal rights at the time of arrest.
Allen, 30, was arrested on January 13, 2024, after a car crash in Palm Beach, Florida, involving two vehicles. According to the arrest report, he was found in the driver’s seat with “glassy watery eyes” and an odor of alcohol, and he allegedly failed sobriety tests at the scene. Breathalyzer tests later revealed blood alcohol levels of .228 and .242—more than three times the legal limit.
The case hinges on whether Allen, a decorated athlete who represented Ireland at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently competed in a five-star Nations League showjumping event in Florida, properly waived his Miranda rights during police questioning. His attorney, Julian M. Kessel, has filed a motion to suppress any incriminating statements, arguing that Allen was “semi-coherent” and unable to fully comprehend his legal position due to his intoxication.
Allen has pleaded not guilty to charges of driving under the influence causing damage. A hearing later this month will determine whether the evidence from his interrogation can be used in the upcoming jury trial.
Background of the Case
Allen’s legal team contends that his impaired state at the time of questioning means any admissions he made were not voluntary or fully understood. Kessel cited video evidence and breathalyzer results to argue that Allen’s blood alcohol concentration was so high that he could not have made an “intelligent waiver” of his rights. The defense also described the interrogation setting as a “paper-white room made from cement block with a plastic chair,” suggesting an environment designed to elicit confessions.
“We see not reasonable to say that he understood his rights and that he properly waived them after considering his position and making an intelligent waiver,” Kessel argued in court submissions. He further stated that Allen’s confession, if any, was “not the product of a free intellect” and should be ruled inadmissible.
Kessel also pointed out that evidence of Allen’s guilt—such as the crash itself and his performance on sobriety tests—was already apparent to police, making the need for a confession unnecessary.
Who is Bertram Allen?
Allen is the son of Bert Allen, a multimillionaire whose family formerly owned Slaney Foods. As an equestrian, Allen has achieved international recognition, including his Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2020. He was part of the Irish team that finished second in a prestigious five-star Nations League showjumping competition in Florida just months before his arrest.
Kessel, in a statement to the media, described Allen as “an accomplished equestrian player” and emphasized his commitment to ensuring the athlete’s future remains secure. “I will continue to fight for this young man to ensure he has a bright future,” Kessel said, adding that he wished he could speak more openly about the case.
What Happens Next?
A court hearing is scheduled later this month to decide on the motion to suppress evidence from Allen’s interrogation. The outcome will significantly impact the trajectory of his case, potentially influencing whether any statements made during questioning can be introduced at trial.
For updates on the case, the Florida court system and local news outlets will provide official filings, and proceedings.
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