American actor Matthew Broderick, known for his roles in movies like “War Games” and “Ferris Bueller's Day Off,” has been charged with reckless driving causing death.
The charges come after a tragic head-on collision in Northern Ireland last month, which claimed the lives of two women.
Broderick, 25, appeared in a makeshift court at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital, where he is currently recovering from injuries sustained in the August 9 crash.
Supported by crutches, he did not enter a plea to the charge of reckless driving causing death.
According to police, Broderick was driving on the wrong side of the road when his vehicle collided head-on with another car near Enniskillen, approximately 75 miles west of Belfast.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, motorists drive on the left side of the road, whereas Broderick, accustomed to U.S. traffic laws, was driving on the right side.
The actor, who was vacationing with his girlfriend in Ireland and Northern Ireland, suffered serious leg injuries in the accident.
Fortunately, his girlfriend escaped unharmed, but sadly, the two women in the other car, a mother in her 60s and her 28-year-old daughter, lost their lives.
Released on $4,000 bail, Broderick has been ordered to appear for trial next March before a magistrate's court in Enniskillen.
Surprisingly, he was not required to surrender his passport, allowing him to return to the United States freely until the trial.
If convicted of reckless driving causing death, Broderick could face a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment along with a fine.
Currently hospitalized, the actor appeared pale and weary during the brief hearing.
It remains unclear whether Broderick or his attorney will contest the charges or if he will choose to return to the United States before the trial.
The actor's future actions in response to the