Woman stands trial for posing as learner drivers to pass theory tests for them

A woman is to stand trial, after being accused of plotting to impersonate learners and sit their driving theory test for them. Alina Glont, 42, along with others, are alleged to have broken the law by taking a series of theory tests over the course of nearly two years.

Appearing before a Dublin court on Monday, Glont, who is currently out on bail, was brought before Judge Gerard Jones, while the prosecution laid out the basics of the case against her, presenting the court with "a book of evidence."

This follows an investigation by the Irish police's National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB), which started in March 2021 and focused on fraudulently obtained driving permits for learners. Ms Glont, from Dublin, now faces two counts of conspiracy under section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

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It's alleged that between September 14, 2019 and June 29, 2021, she conspired with one or more individuals to commit serious offences. The first offence involved the illegal use of a computer within the State to take driver theory tests on behalf of third parties to secure driver theory test pass certificates.

According to the second conspiracy charge, she is accused of carrying out deceptions during the same period "by unlawfully undergoing driver theory tests in the names of third parties to induce the issue of driver theory test pass certificates" with the aim of making a gain or causing a loss to another through deception.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has authorised for the case to be heard on "indictment", noted Judge Jones, before he granted a return-for-trial order.

He directed Ms Glont to appear at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, informing her that her case would be scheduled for October 17, alongside a co-accused. Legal aid was approved.

The judge cautioned her to inform the prosecution within a fortnight if she planned to utilise an alibi in her defence. He also instructed the authorities to supply copies of interview videos to the defence team.

Previously, Detective Barry Cormack stated that the accused remained silent in response to both charges after her arrest in June.