File photos of Alina Glont (left) and Daniel Stepien (right). irishphotodesk.ie

Courts

Man and woman who sat driver theory test on behalf of others plead guilty to conspiracy

Alina Glont and Daniel Stepien will be sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan tomorrow.

6.10pm, 29 Jan 2025

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TWO PEOPLE INVOLVED in a scheme to pose as learner drivers and sit the theory test on behalf of others are due to be sentenced tomorrow.

Alina Glont (42) of Charlestown Place, Finglas, Dublin 11 pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of conspiracy.

Daniel Stepien (29) with an address at Annfield Court, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 also pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy.

The offences took place on dates between September 2018 and June 2021.

After hearing the facts of the case today, Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the case to tomorrow to consider sentencing.

Detective Garda Barry Cormack told Kieran Kelly BL, prosecuting, that the two accused were part of a group of five individuals involved in a scheme to take driver theory tests on behalf of third parties.

He told the court that information was obtained that third parties contacted the group, then arrangements were made for one of the group to pose as a learner driver at a theory test centre to sit the test, using a computerised system.

When the theory test was completed successfully, a pass certificate would issue, which could be used by the third party to apply for a driving test.

Cormack said 124 incidents where someone from the group went to a test centre were identified. Stepien sat 68 theory tests and Glont completed 20.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) started its own investigation in January 2021, after receiving confidential information. 36 potential impersonations were reported to gardaí by the RSA the following June.

Cormack said separate investigations are ongoing, but some third parties have reported paying amounts between €1,000 and €2,000 to the group.

Glont’s home was searched by gardaí and seven prepaid debit cards, registered with false names and addresses, were found. These cards were used to book over 100 theory tests.

Driver theory test books, and sums of cash in sterling and euro were also recovered and Glont’s phone was seized.

The court heard nothing of probative value was obtained when Glont was first interviewed by gardaí in 2021.

When interviewed for a second time in 2023, she admitted her role and was co-operative with the investigation. She told gardai she booked the tests and would direct Stepien to attend certain tests.

Stepien was also interviewed, but nothing of evidential value was obtained. The court heard evidence that he was directed by others, and is considered by gardai to be at the lowest rung of the hierarchy.

Cormack said gardaí have suspicions about the other members of the group, but they are not before the courts.

Glont has five previous convictions including handling stolen property and use of a false instrument.