Ban for man caught drink driving at Donegal Town petrol station

A Ukrainian national who pleaded guilty to driving while exceeding the legal alcohol limit had been drinking with a friend after receiving bad news.

Kyrylo Milokost, 25, of Wild Atlantic Hostel, Dungloe was before Donegal District Court on Wednesday, September 4. 

He was found to have an alcohol level of 55 mcg per 100ml of breath after being arrested at Holmes Petrol Station, Drimark, Donegal Town on May 24, 2023. 

Garda Sean Rogers had been on mobile patrol when he was alerted to the defendant’s driving which had caused concern upon his arrival at the petrol station. 

Garda Rogers told the court that he made his way to the petrol station and spoke to the defendant. He formed the opinion that Milokost was intoxicated, and he arrested him and brought him to Ballyshannon Garda Station. 

The court heard that the defendant had no previous convictions and was cooperative with gardaí.

His solicitor said that Milokost had been living in Donegal since the invasion of his country, and had received upsetting news on the day in question. 

“He got a phone call from a Ukrainian friend receiving bad news about another friend who lost his legs in combat,” said the solicitor. 

“He took a car from a friend and drove to Donegal Town to meet another friend and they began to drink, consoling themselves.

“He doesn’t have a great memory of the night.

“He can’t go back to Ukraine because of the war. It has had a huge effect on him. He hasn’t come to garda attention since.”

Judge Sandra Murphy acknowledged the mitigating circumstances. She imposed a fine of €250, and she disqualified the defendant from holding a driving licence for two years.