Motorist convicted of drink-driving after being stopped in Cork

A Cork motorist convicted of drink-driving had gone through a difficult period in his life at the time of the offence and ended up living in a tent, the district court heard.

Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Clonakilty District Court that Rafal Ostrowski, aged 43, of Stonewood, Clonakilty, was stopped while driving a Ford Mondeo at Dunmanway North, Co Cork on April 4, 2025, at 7.53pm.

Despite only having a learner permit, Mr Ostrowski was not accompanied by a qualified driver, and the vehicle did not have a valid insurance disc displayed. Talking to Mr Ostrowski, gardaí noticed a strong smell of alcohol and he was asked to take a roadside alcohol breath test, which he failed, recording a level of 39mg per 100ml of breath, where the legal limit for a learner permit holder is 9mg.

The court was told Mr Ostrowski was the father of two children, who live in Cork city, and he takes an active role in their lives. On the day of the offence, he had bought the car from a private seller and had not yet arranged for it to be insured. 

The court heard that he had been forced to leave the accommodation he was renting at the time when the property was sold, and “ended up living in a tent”.

The court was told Mr Ostrowski was now working and “getting his life back on track”, and had no previous convictions. 

Judge Joanne Carroll convicted Mr Ostrowski of drink-driving and imposed a mandatory 12-month driving disqualification. The no insurance charge was struck out.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme