Cautionfor actor over airport incident

Actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers has been given a formal caution at a court hearing yesterday following an incident at Dublin airport in which he drunkenly abused staff while waiting to board a British Midland flight.

During a three-minute hearing, the Dublin District Court was told that the Director of Public Prosecutions had withdrawn two charges against Rhys Meyers.

Instead the court applied the Adult Cautioning Scheme, which was brought into force in 2006. Rhys Myers will not have a criminal record.

The scheme is available as an alternative to prosecution where there is evidence that the person has committed the offence and where the prosecution of such an offence is not required in the public interest.

The decision was made at the discretion of the Garda. In return for a caution, Rhys Meyers accepted responsibility for his actions and was warned that any further criminal behaviour would likely result in a prosecution.

Rhys Myers, who was born in Dublin but raised in Cork, is starring in the costume drama The Tudors and can be seen on screen in the new Kirsten Sheridan film August Rush. He was not in court for yesterday's hearing. His mother, Geraldine O'Keeffe, died just two days after the incident, which happened on November 18th.

Rhys Myers (30), Arlington Road, London, abused staff at Dublin airport and was arrested by gardaí and taken to Whitehall Garda station. He was charged with being drunk and disorderly under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act and of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provide a breach of the peace.

He was later released on cash bail.

His solicitor, Michael Staines, said Rhys Meyers "absolutely accepts" that his behaviour was unacceptable. The actor apologised to British Midland staff, security and gardaí for his behaviour, which he was said was "out of character" for him.

Mr Staines also said that Rhys Meyers had agreed to make a voluntary contribution to a nominated charity.