Music

Bruce Springsteen’s drink-driving charges dropped

Veteran rocker fined $540 after pleading guilty to consuming alcohol in a closed area

Bruce Springsteen is accused of driving while under the influence, reckless driving and consuming alcohol in a closed area. Photograph: Ander Gillenea /AFP via Getty Images

Tue Mar 2 2021 - 11:37

Prosecutors have dismissed the two most serious criminal charges that the rock star Bruce Springsteen was facing, for drunken driving and reckless driving.

The 71-year-old singer pleaded guilty, during a brief videoconference in federal court in New Jersey on February 24th, to the least serious charge, drinking alcohol in a closed area, or an area where it is barred. He was fined $540.

“Two small shots of tequila,” Springsteen said as his lawyer, Mitchell Ansell, walked him through his guilty plea. “Mr Springsteen, I need to ask you how long you need to pay the fine,” the judge, Anthony R Mautone, said. “I think I can pay that immediately,” Springsteen answered.

The singer had been arrested on November 14th in a part of Gateway National Recreation Area, on the New Jersey coast.

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The park is on a narrow, beach-ringed peninsula, with views across a bay to New York City. It is about 25km north of Asbury Park, where Springsteen got his start as a musician and bandleader and which was later made famous with his debut album Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ.

The arrest was first reported by TMZ.com. – New York Times, AP

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