A Dacquois man, now 29 years old, appeared for manslaughter this Thursday, October 31 at the Dax court (Landes). Almost a year ago, on November 4, 2023, while returning from the evening, around 9 a.m., he suddenly lost control of his carleft the roadway before hitting a plane tree shortly before Dax, in the town of Heugas. His passenger, a man of the same age, whom he knew little, was killed. The driver was judged with three aggravating circumstances.
The investigations revealed that before getting behind the wheel, this man had been drinking – a very high rate was noted during the analyzes (2.13 grams of alcohol per liter of blood). He also tested positive for narcotics, in this case, cocaine. Finally, an expert report revealed that he was traveling at 110 km/h while the road was limited to 70. This is involuntary homicide committed by a driver. This type of case is always very complex. The judges therefore put their decision under advisement, to take the time to rule.
Four years in prison required, three of which are suspended
At the hearing, the opposing lawyer and the prosecution did not overwhelm the defendant. The prosecutor requested a prison sentence of four years, three of which were suspended. For the so-called “firm” year, she specified that this could be done outside of prison, and could be arranged. She also requested an obligation of care and a cancellation of her driving license.
The defendant presented himself wearing a light gray polo shirt and beige chinos. Large black eyes, a deep look, which says a lot about his distress. His very first words were to the victim's parents. A couple sitting discreetly in the room, of disconcerting dignity. Just behind, another couple, the defendant's parents, came to support their child.
At the end of the debates, imagine a little, these four people met briefly at the exit of the room to discuss. One man's son stole the life of another man's son. Such a powerful moment. The emblem of justice takes on all its symbolism there. A scale, yes, finding the right balance. What sanction?
“It’s a double punishment for you too”
Because this 29-year-old man will probably never live another day without thinking about this moment. “It’s a double punishment for you too” launches the lawyer for the civil parties. This in no way takes away from what he did. Although he doesn't remember anything. The doctors wrote that since the accident (he was seriously injured), he has suffered fromhead trauma with amnesia of the facts.
To add nothing, there remain gray areas in this accident. Several witnesses say they were overtaken by two cars driving at high speed. Were they racing? Some people also stopped first to help after the accident before disappearing into thin air. The fact that the passenger was not wearing his seat belt was also mentioned.
Still. The shock was extremely violent. The steering wheel and debris from the car were propelled ten meters from the vehicle. The judgment will be rendered on November 28 (1:30 p.m.) by the Dax court.
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