Greencastle woman wins backseat seatbelt case in court, after judge strikes it out

A Ukrainian woman living in Inishowen who failed to wear a seatbelt while travelling in the back of a car has won her case in court, after a judge agreed to strike it out.

Lana Biloshenko, of 23 Adelaide Meadows, Greencastle, appeared before Carndonagh District Court, where she admitted a charge of being an unbelted adult occupant of a vehicle eight months ago.

The misdemeanour was detected by gardai at Ballyargus, Redcastle on March 19, 2025.

Ms Biloshenko was initially unrepresented in court, but then sought the advice of solicitor Frank Dorrian.

Mr Dorian said the facts were accepted.

“She was a rear-seat passenger, and she wasn’t wearing her seatbelt.”

However, he said his client was oblivious to the fact that it’s the law to buckle up while in the back of a car here.

“She’s from Ukraine. She was unaware that it was obligatory in Ireland to wear a seatbelt in the back of a vehicle – apparently, it’s not in her own country,” Mr Dorrian explained.

“She understands now, and she understands that it would be a good idea to wear it in any event. This was simply an oversight.”

Sergeant Conor Mulkerns said a fine was issued in respect of the matter, but it was not paid and the matter proceeded to a court summons.

He said the initial fine would have been €120, rising to €180 after 28 days when it wasn’t paid.

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Sgt Mulkerns further told the court that Ms Biloshenko has no previous convictions.

Solicitor Dorrian then asked Judge Emile Daly to dismiss the matter altogether.

“You could strike it out on the basis of the circumstances,” he suggested.

“She can’t get penalty points anyway, because she doesn’t have a licence.”

“You could take a view on it, judge. It’s not the most significant offence, and she’s a very genuine case,” the solicitor urged.

Mr Dorrian added: “There was a case in Letterkenny recently, where the Circuit Court Judge emphasised how it’s the obligation of the driver to ensure people are belted.”

After finding the facts proven, Judge Daly agreed to dismiss the charge.

“In the circumstances, this being a first offence, and bearing in mind that she was unaware of the obligatory nature to wear it, I’ll strike out.”

The judge then warned the defendant that it would be “wise” to wear her safety belt in future.