Carlow woman put off road for ten years
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A THIRTY-SIX-YEAR-OLD woman who was caught driving while disqualified has been given a ten-year driving ban and a suspended prison sentence.
Viktorija Sivakova, 12 Lakeside, Castleoaks, Carlow appeared before Carlow District Court where solicitor Joe Farrell entered a guilty plea on behalf of his client.
The court heard that on 30 May 2025, CCTV showed her getting into a motor vehicle and driving away from the scene.
Garda Mallick became aware that the defendant was disqualified from driving at the time and she was asked to produce valid documents but failed to do so.
Garda Mallick’s evidence was that the defendant was “fully co-operative” and made a voluntary admission at the scene.
Mr Farrell said it was accepted that his client was disqualified from driving at the time and added that his client had “good family support” and that her husband and child were waiting outside the courtroom for her. He asked the court to give credit for her guilty plea, adding that she has two children, a four year old and an 18 year old. Her husband works, but his client doesn’t have an independent income herself, he added.
Noting the guilty plea, the defendant’s personal circumstances and her co-operation, Judge Elizabeth Healy said that nevertheless this is a “very serious” offence.
She convicted and fined Ms Sivakova €500 with six months to pay. She also disqualified her from driving for ten years and sentenced her to three months in prison, suspended for two years.
“She is very lucky, I’ll explain it to her,” said Mr Farrell, to which the judge responded that he should tell Ms Sivakova that if she comes before the court again it will be a different story.
