'Every day is a struggle': Family of Ukrainian man killed in Cork crash say life without him has lost value 

A YOUNG man who lost his life as a result of the dangerous, drunken driving of another man, in Fermoy, was asked as a boy what he wanted to be when he grew up. He replied, “President of Ukraine”.

This poignant memory of Igor Skokivskyi was recalled by his sister in a victim-impact statement at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. 

The man who caused his death was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

Lulian Lotca of Carrigtohill, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to drunken driving and dangerous driving, causing the death of Mr Skokivskyi, who was a back-seat passenger in the car that night. He also admitted having no insurance.

Garda Ronan Casey testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the black BMW was driven at speed at MacCurtain St, Fermoy, on July 1, 2023. Mr Skokivskyi died the next day in hospital as a result of his injuries.

Family lost father in car accident in 2008

Judge James McCourt said, after hearing the statements from the deceased man’s sister, brother, and mother, “It is unimaginable to figure out losing one member of a family in a road-traffic accident that happened in 2008. It is even more unimaginable to contemplate losing another member of the family years later. But that is what happened with the loss of Igor.”

Oksana recalled her brother: “There are now three of us remaining. We lost our father in 2008 in a car accident. And we ask how this has come to happen to our little family once again. We were a peaceful and happy family, yet here we are.

“When he graduated school, the principal awarded him the Soul of the Class for his kindness and generosity with his time. He was a good listener, even from a young age.

“Now, every day is a struggle for us. We now have to learn to start each day without Igor. Now, life does not bring us joy. We live with this constant pain and open emotional wounds that will never heal.”

Leonid said he misses his brother every day: “He will not know what it is to start a family, have children. I know he would have been the best dad, a good husband and provider.

“There is a war in my country and I was happy my brother went to Ireland before the war started, but, unfortunately, this did not save him.”

'Life without him has lost value'

Mina said her son was stolen way to soon from her: “It is not natural for a mother to outlive her youngest child. Life without him has lost value. I visit his grave every day now. I place my trust in you and the Irish system that justice will be served.”

Judge McCourt said of the accused: “No doubt you acted negligently and recklessly. I have to consider whether there are aggravating factors… It was a disastrous decision (to drive after drinking). Speed was dangerous and we now know and it resulted in a loss of life.

“I accept you did not set out on that fateful evening with that in mind, but that was the outcome. I accept you have shown remorse and essentially been a model prisoner, accessing education and working in the kitchen. You have been a positive contributor to society as an employed person. You missed out on the birth of your child (who was born two months after he went into custody in July 2023).

“You have offered an apology through your counsel. You are currently in prison. Obviously, it is acknowledged to be even harder for a non-national.”

Extending his sympathies to the family of the deceased, Judge McCourt said: “Of course he is for ever in their hearts, in their lives. This mother saw her son go to Ireland. Then war broke out in her home country. Little could she contemplate he would lose his life far away from the war zone.”

Judge McCourt imposed a total sentence of three years’ imprisonment, with the last six months suspended, and disqualified him from driving for five years. The sentence was backdated to July 3, when he went into custody.

Defence senior counsel Elizabeth O’Connell said the defendant was totally remorseful and he had no previous convictions.