Sent to prison after ‘serious’ record

A 42-year-old man with 57 previous convictions was handed down a 5 month prison sentence at Sligo District Court for his serious reoffending.

The court heard that Leustan Rostas, a father of two, with an address at St Mary’s Close, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim pleaded guilty to no insurance and no driving licence at Knocknagroagh, Drumfin, Co Sligo on May 1st 2018.

Inspector Paul Kilcoyne outlined the background to the defendant. He told the judge Rostas had 57 previous convictions the last one being in 2014. In 2013 he received a 5 month suspended prison sentence for no insurance and he was disqualified from driving for 10 years. In 2012 Rostas received another 5 month suspended prison sentence for no insurance and was disqualified for 10 years. Defending solicitor Mr Tom MacSharry said his client had a very serious record and called him to speak directly to Judge Kevin Kilrane. Mr MacSharry asked him if he realised the very serious charges against him and he replied that he did and was very sorry.

He said that he was the father of 2 children and one of his children have a disability. Mr MacSharry said that he had been given chances before and Rostas replied that he was very sorry. He said that he would give an undertaking that he would not drive again. Mr MacSharry told the judge that his client was engaging with the Probation Services in Mullingar and when asked if he would be willing to do community service Rostas said he would. The judge said that the only punishment suitable was imprisonment not probation. He sentenced him to five months in prison for not having insurance and sentenced him to a futher five months imprisonment for driving while disqualified to run concurrently. He also disqualified him from driving for 10 years.