Woman panicked and fled checkpoint in Laois
The woman appeared before Portlaoise District Court
A driving ban was handed down to a woman who turned and fled from a checkpoint in Laois.
Lolita Horchynska (28) of 22 Colliers Way, Kilminchy, Portlaoise admitted dangerous driving at Summerhill Lane, Portlaoise last April 1.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said gardaí were conducting a checkpoint on the Stradbally Road in Portlaoise when the accused approached at 12.45am.
“The vehicle turned and took off at speed and sped off. The driver was stopped and arrested,” he explained.
He said there were four people in the car including a 5-year-old child in the back seat. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, gave a breath sample of 33 mgs per 100 mls of breath.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client “completely panicked” when she came across the checkpoint. He said she was a 28 year old Ukrainian who fled her country due to the war.
Judge Andrew Cody noted the woman had paid a fine and was given a three month disqualification for the drink driving offence.
He fined her €250 and disqualified her from driving for two years and granted legal aid at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.