Driver disqualified after driving at 193km per hour on N5 dual carriageway

A MAN who drove along the new N5 dual carriageway near Westport at 193km per hour has been disqualified from driving for two years.

Yoraslav Polonskyi (32) of Castlegrove West, Castlebar appeared before Castlebar District Court where he pleaded guilty to dangerous driving along the N5 at Kilbree Lower, Westport on May 15, 2025.

Garda Ian Lynott told the court that he was detecting a speed check along the N5 at 10.02pm when he detected a car travelling at 193km per hour in a 100km zone on the Westport bound lane. He followed the car and stopped the driver who subsequently tested negative for both alcohol and drugs.

The court heard that Mr Polonskyi is a Ukrainian national who is living with his wife in Castlebar and working in a local supermarket.

Mr Gary Mulchrone, solicitor for Mr Polonskyi said his client has no previous convictions and explained that he did not realise the speed was in kilometres but accepted this was not an excuse. He said his client did not realise he was travelling so fast but accepted that the speed was extraordinarily high.

Mr Mulchrone said his client was not trying to evade anyone and while the speed was dangerous there was no oncoming traffic as it was a dual carriageway.

Judge Sandra Murphy said the speed the defendant was driving was dangerous and was convinced he was aware of the speed and did not believe it was a case of the driver forgetting himself.

She imposed a two year disqualification and fined Mr Polonskyi €350.

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