Suspended sentence for uninsured Longford drink driver involved in N4 collision

A woman who pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance was given a six month custodial sentence, but had it suspended for a period of 18 months following the conclusion of her case at Longford District Court.

Olesja Cerkouska, Park View, Longford Road, Edgeworthstown, was found to have no driving licence, no insurance and also was arrested for drink driving, all on December 17, 2023.

The court was told that on the date in question, the defendant was involved in a two vehicle accident on the N4.

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The defendant was found to have rear ended a vehicle when Gardai arrived on the scene around 8pm. Ms Cerkouska was over the drink driving limit when tested. She also admitted having no insurance at the scene.

Prior to her conviction, the defendant had 17 previous convictions, including three for no insurance and three for drink driving.

Solicitor, Frank Gearty, said his client acknowledged that it was “an extremely serious matter.” Mr Gearty told the court the defendant's husband had been murdered in their native country and Ms  Cerkouska had struggled with addiction issues: “She has endeavoured to get to grips with her addiction.”

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Judge Bernadette Owens registered a conviction for the drink driving offence, imposing the six month sentence, but suspended it for 18 months on the defendant's own bond of €200. That conviction attracted a five year driving ban.

For the no insurance charge Ms Cerkouska received a further four month custodial sentence, which was also suspended for 18 months on a €200 bond. Finalising the matter with a concurrent five year driving ban the judge warned: “You have used up all your options.”

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