Carrick-on-Shannon gardai detail how defendant was aggressive and ‘attempted to walk away’

A driver has pleaded guilty to refusing to provide a specimen of blood or urine as part of a drink driving investigation.

Oleksii Honcharov, Carrick Villa Accommodation, Leitrim Road, Carrick-on-Shannon pleaded guilty to the offence at last week’s sitting of Carrick-on-Shannon District Court.

Sgt Lisa Sewell explained that gardai observed a vehicle “swerving all over the road” in Carrick-on-Shannon on October 17, 2022.

They stopped the vehicle and approached the driver and asked him to produce his driving licence.

The defendant, who was driving the vehicle on the date in question, told gardai he didn’t have his licence on him.

Sgt Sewell noted that gardai formed the opinion that he was under the influence of an intoxicant based on the strong smell of alcohol on his breath and his slurred speech.

When they attempted to arrest Mr Honcharov, he became very aggressive “and attempted to walk away”.

He was arrested and conveyed to Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station where a designated nurse attended.

Via a translator Mr Honcharov was asked to provide a specimen of either blood or urine for analysis but Sgt Sewell noted “the defendant continued to be aggressive and refused to provide a sample”

Speaking in mitigation on behalf of his client, Mr Honcharov’s solicitor, Martin Burke, noted he is a 36-year-old man with no previous convictions.

Mr Burke noted that his client is married with four children aged between 3 and 13 years and said that he is currently working in the construction industry in Cork.

“He has pleaded to the charge. He knows he is facing a four year disqualification,” acknowledged Mr Burke.

“I would ask you to take into account his financial circumstances,” he added pointing out that Mr Honcharov's family relied on his income.

He also asked that the disqualification be postponed for six months to allow his client to get his affairs in order and to find alternative work closer to where he lives.

Judge Sandra Murphy convicted and fined the defendant €250 and disqualified him for four years, postponing the disqualification until September 27, 2023.