Man Who Hit and Killed Motorcyclist While Drunk Driving and Fled the Scene Sentenced to 4.5 Years by Lay Judges in New Taipei

According to the press release, the man, identified by his surname Na, was driving under the influence on June 24 last year when he struck and killed a motorcyclist, Mr. Lin, who was parked on the side of the road in Banqiao District, New Taipei City.

Mr. Na fled the scene after the accident. Police reviewed surveillance footage and arrested him later that day around 11 AM.

After a trial by a panel of lay judges at the New Taipei District Court, Mr. Na admitted he was so drunk he was almost falling asleep. The court found that even if he had the need to move, he could have taken a taxi or hired a designated driver. Furthermore, his actions of drunk driving, causing a death, and then fleeing the scene, disregarding the victim's life, were considered extremely malicious. The victim's mother's prolonged crying in court demonstrated the significant damage caused by Mr. Na.

The court noted Mr. Na's prior offenses and poor conduct. However, considering his confession, he compensated the victim's family NT$10.3 million and reached a settlement. The family also agreed to forgive him and expressed a desire for a lighter sentence or probation. He was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment for drunk driving causing death, and 2 years for the offense of causing death and fleeing the scene, resulting in a combined sentence of 4 years and 6 months. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150410