Longford motorist on 'binge' was caught by Gardaí drink-driving twice in eight days
The defendant was detected on October 22 after gardaí were alerted a vehicle was driving erratically in the direction of Kenagh at 8.40pm.
A defendant who was detected drink driving twice within eight days appeared in Longford District Court recently.
Dmytro Kravchenko (45) of Rathcline Road, Lanesboro, pleaded guilty to the offences in October 2025.
Sergent Mark Mahon, for the State, said on October 22 last Garda Eamon Fitzpatrick was notified a vehicle was driving erratically in the direction of Kenagh at 8.40pm.
"He went out and patrolled the area and he located the vehicle at approximately 9pm and he observed it parked up at Moydow village and the engine was running."
Sgt Mahon said Garda Eamon Fitzpatrick spoke to the driver of the vehicle, he observed keys in the ignition and the engine was still running and he 'formed the opinion they had alcohol consumed'.
Sgt Mahon said Mr Kravchenko was arrested and he subsequently recorded a breath alcohol concentration of 66 micrograms per 100 milliliters and he was charged.
The legal limit is 22 micrograms and the court heard the concentration of alcohol in Mr Kravchenko's system carries a mandatory three year ban.
Gardaí established Mr Kravchenko was banned at the time having been disqualified for one year on March 11, 2025.
The court heard officers received a report of a driver driving erratically at 3.30pm on October 30, 2025 at Lenamore, Ardagh.
Sgt Mahon said gardaí located and stopped the driver and formed the opinion he had alcohol consumed.
Mr Kravchenko recorded a breath alcohol concentration of 95 micrograms per 100 milliliters, more than four times the legal limit.
The defendant had two previous convictions, which included one for drug driving.
"He was on a binge at the time," he added.
Mr Gearty said his client, a Ukrainian national, usually does not drink and he is now completely off drink.
"At that time he was in a complete mess, he is begging and imploring the court not to impose a custodial sentence."
Judge Bernadette Owens considered the case and she directed that a probation report to include a community service assessment would be completed on the defendant.
Judge Owens then decided to adjourn the case until October 6 next for finalisation.