A former chief executive of Malta’s financial regulatory body has been charged with drink driving, after allegedly recording an alcohol reading more than four times the legal limit.
Joseph Gavin (68), with an address at Kilmagig Upper, Avoca, Co Wicklow, appeared at a sitting of Bray District Court charged with one count of drink driving and one count of driving without due care and attention.
Mr Gavin, who served as general counsel for the Central Bank of Ireland from 2009 to 2015, helped guide the organisation through post-recession restructuring.
Prior to that, he worked as head of financial Services at LK Shields before becoming a partner at ByrneWallace, one of Ireland’s leading law firms.
He later became chief executive officer of Malta’s financial regulatory body in 2021.
It is alleged that, on December 12, 2025, Mr Gavin drove his vehicle without due care and attention at Glasnarget, north Rathdrum, Co Wicklow.
On the same day, he is accused of driving his car with alcohol in his system, with a breath alcohol reading of 96 microgrammes per 100ml, more than four times the legal limit.
Counsel for the defendant, Conor Rubalcava informed the court that this was the matter’s first appearance and that he was seeking disclosure.
Judge Mary McAveety adjourned the case until November for a guilty plea or to fix a hearing date.
She directed that disclosure be furnished to Tracy Horan Solicitors.
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