Garda file on woman accused of dangerous driving causing death of man in Cork sent to DPP

Kseniia Vasylenko is charged with dangerous driving of a Hyundai Alantra at Cork Airport, causing the death of Andrii Nesterov, who was aged about 50, after 2am on Sunday morning, October 8. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

The Garda file has been completed and sent to the DPP in the case against a Ukrainian woman accused of dangerous driving causing the death of a fellow Ukrainian man with whom she had been socialising in Cork.

The woman’s solicitor, Frank Buttimer, confirmed at Cork District Court that Detective Inspector Jason Lynch, who is in charge of the investigation, confirmed to him that the file was complete and had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It is anticipated directions in the case will be given by the DPP on January 25.

In those circumstances, Sergeant Pat Lyons applied to have the case adjourned until that date, with the accused remanded in continuing custody. There was no defence objection to that application.

Judge Mary Dorgan then adjourned the case for the two weeks with the accused remanded in continuing custody and explained to the accused what was occurring.

Kseniia Vasylenko, 43, of Cork Airport Hotel, appeared by video link from prison and said: “Thank you very much, your honour.” 

Detective Garda Gary Brennan charged Ms Vasylenko in October 2023 with dangerous driving of a Hyundai Alantra at Cork Airport, causing the death of Andrii Nesterov, who was aged about 50, after 2am on Sunday morning, October 8. 

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

In the original bail application, the accused said her husband was still in Ukraine working in IT and working with the resistance in this capacity. She said she had been working with the local authority in central Ukraine and was now living 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 accommodation centre,” the accused said.

Detective Garda Brennan said: “I think there is a real possibility she would leave the jurisdiction if given bail.”