Ukrainian refugee accused of dangerous driving causing death to appeal bail refusal to High Court

A Ukrainian refugee is set to appeal her bail refusal to the High Court in a case where she is accused of dangerous driving causing the death of a fellow Ukranian man with whom she had been socialising in Cork.

43-year-old Kseniia Vasylenko of Cork Airport hotel appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison on the charge of dangerous driving a Hyundai Alantra at Cork Airport causing the death of Andrii Nesterov, who was aged around 50, after 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, October 8.

Detective Garda Gary Brennan alleged that she was driving the Hyundai car owned by the deceased and that her driving was dangerous, resulting in his death.

Bail was refused last week at Cork District Court.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, explained to his client that she would be obliged to turn up in Cork District Court in person if granted bail at the High Court.

On the application of Sergeant Gearóid Davis, Judge Joanne Carroll adjourned the case until November 7.

Applying for bail last week the accused said her husband was still in Ukraine working in IT and working with the resistance in this capacity. Describing her decision to leave her home she said her child was in Kindergarten and she was working with the local authority in central Ukraine. She now lives in Cork with her five-year-old son and her mother.

“I did not want to leave my country. I love my country. I made the decision to come here to save my life and the life of my son. I came across Poland, Romania, Moldova, to Dublin City West to here. I have been in Cork since December 2022. I have been in the airport hotel in accommodation centre.

“I can understand police are afraid I will flee because I am not a resident of Ireland. I can agree to everything to be home with my son. I promise I won’t be leaving the country. I would do everything suggested to me to confirm I am not leaving the country. I have nowhere to go. I have no relatives who can accept us across Europe.

“I love Ireland and Irish people. It is like Ukraine. They accept us like relatives. They love us,” Ms Vasylenko testified.

She testified that she would stay in Ireland to face the case, adding, “I am not a criminal person. I want to be with my son if it is possible.” Detective Garda Brennan said the objection to bail was based on the seriousness of the case and the prosecution belief that the defendant was a flight risk.