Sentence and 12-year driving ban imposed on Kildare resident
NAAS
A custodial sentence and a lengthy driving ban were handed down to a Kildare resident.
Evelina Muraskauskaite, with an address listed as Apartment 28, Block B, Hazelwood in Newbridge, but who is currently serving a custodial sentence on other matters, appeared before Judge Desmond Zaidan at Naas District Court on Thursday, March 15.
Gardaí told the court that the 36-year-old was caught driving while under the influence of drugs at Maudlins in Naas on February 16, 2021.
It was heard that she had codeine and cocaine in her system.
Gardaí further alleged that Ms Muraskauskaite refused to provide a sample of her breath after being asked to do so by gardaí for a roadside breath test at Jigginstown in Naas on April 26 last.
Ms Muraskauskaite has 43 previous convictions, four of which are for drug-driving offences and five for driving without insurance.
Although defending solicitor David Powderly asked Judge Zaidan to avoid imposing a custodial sentence, the judge cited her previous drug-driving convictions, adding: "I have a duty to protect the public.
"She put others at risk because of her addiction."
The judge imposed a total sentence of 10 months on Ms Muraskauskaite, in addition to a 12-year driving disqualification.