Drove 1.5km With Substitute Driver Hanging From Car... Prosecutors Seek 30 Years for Drunk Passenger

Prosecutors: "Evading Responsibility, Must Be Held Fully Accountable"

Prosecutors have sought a heavy sentence for a man in his 30s who was put on trial for causing the death of a designated driver by driving approximately 1.5 kilometers with the driver hanging onto the vehicle.

According to Yonhap News on April 24, the 12th Criminal Division of the Daejeon District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Byung-man) held a closing hearing for Mr. A (36), who was indicted on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (assault on a driver) and violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving). On this day, prosecutors asked the court to sentence Mr. A to 30 years in prison.

Daejeon District Court courtroom view. Photo by Yonhap News

Prosecutors stated, "Although the defendant denies having intent to kill, considering certain statements, black box footage, CCTV, the height of the vehicle, and the victim’s physique, the charge of murder is sufficiently substantiated," adding, "No infringement on life can ever be justified, and the crime was committed without a clear motive. Also, given that the defendant has not been forgiven by the bereaved family, a corresponding level of responsibility must be imposed."

Mr. A was indicted on charges of pushing Mr. B (in his 60s), the designated driver who was driving him, out of the driver’s seat on a road in Gwanpyeong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, at around 1:15 a.m. on November 14 last year, then driving about 1.5 kilometers with the door open, resulting in B’s death.

Prior to this, Mr. A is also accused of assaulting and verbally abusing Mr. B out of anger because B did not carefully drive over a speed bump. At that time, Mr. A’s blood alcohol concentration was 0.152%, indicating he was heavily intoxicated.

The vehicle came to a stop after crashing into a roadside guardrail, and Mr. B suffered serious head injuries in the accident. He was transported to a nearby hospital but died from his injuries.

Previously, Mr. A's side acknowledged the charges of assaulting the driver and drunk driving but has denied the charge of murder, claiming there was no intent to kill.

In his final statement, Mr. A said, "I am sorry to the deceased, who must have suffered due to my wrongful actions, and to the bereaved family, who have lost a loved one and must live with the pain. I will repent and carry this guilt for the rest of my life."

The attorney representing the bereaved family said, "The defendant is selectively claiming memory loss and denying any indirect intent, which amounts to an attempt to avoid responsibility," and requested the court to "impose the maximum sentence prescribed by law for the sake of the bereaved family and all designated drivers who ensure safe passage home late at night."

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 5.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.