Motorist who drove erratically and crashed into wall in Longford put off road for one year

A drunk driver, who came to the attention of a witness after he repeatedly and erratically crossed the centre white line before crashing into a wall, has been disqualified for one year.

Dmytro Kravchenko of 4 Costello's Nursing Home, Ballyleague, Lanesboro pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to the offence that occurred at 2pm on February 7, 2024 at Lisduff Cross, Lisduff.

Garda Inspector Declan McGlynn said a member of the public contacted Gardaí and reported that they had seen a motorist driving a Ford C-Max "erratically and dangerously" between Kilcommoc Cemetery and Longford Slashers GAA Club grounds.

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Gardaí received a report a short time later the driver, a married father of one, had subsequently crashed into a wall at Lisduff.

Garda Morag Patterson and Garda Vincent O'Leary arrived at the scene and observed a man taking a bag out of the boot.

The witness informed Garda Patterson that the male was the driver of the vehicle and the officer noticed Kravchenko was unsteady on his feet and there was a smell of alcohol.

The Ukrainian national was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and a breath sample gave a result of 42mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

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The legal limit is 22mg.

Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh said her client came to Ireland two years ago due to the war in Ukraine and she handed in a medical report.

She told Judge Brendan O'Reilly he had a serious medical condition in 2006 and that had been a factor in the case.

"He cannot get the medication he needs here and his doctor had told him that if he becomes stressed a small amount of alcohol might help," she added.

Ms Mimnagh said her client had taken a very small amount of alcohol to ease his anxiety.

The solicitor stated her client had just secured work at a local sawmill and she asked if the disqualification could be postponed.

Judge O'Reilly agreed to this request and he noted the amount of alcohol the defendant had in his system was on the lower end of the scale.

However, he warned Kravchenko that despite his health issues there was no reasonable excuse to consume alcohol and drive.

“If he wants to drink he can drink as much as he likes and can afford at home,” he added.

Judge O'Reilly imposed a €300 fine with six months to pay and a one year driving ban that will commence from March 11, 2025.