On Friday, the prosecutor at the Ghent police court requested a seven-year prison sentence for a 45-year-old car driver who fatally struck two cyclists at the Port of Ghent in February.
The driver had a blood alcohol level of 3 grams per litre and was making a video call at the time of the accident. He was also driving at an excessive speed.
The accident occurred on 25 February around 11:00 when the motorist hit a group of five cyclists on a bicycle path. Two cyclists, both in their forties, were killed in the collision. Three others were injured, including one seriously.
The driver was placed under arrest by the investigating judge for involuntary manslaughter and inflicting unintentional injuries, whilst his driving licence had been revoked for nearly ten years.
Initial findings from the traffic expert’s investigation revealed that the accident was caused by the driver’s mishandling of his vehicle combined with speeding. He was travelling up to 118 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, and the accelerator was fully depressed at the time of the collision. An analysis of his mobile phone activity showed he was on a call with his partner.
The Public Prosecutor has requested five years in prison and a lifetime driving ban for involuntary manslaughter and causing injuries, plus an additional two years for driving while banned. A fine of €16,000 euros has also been sought. The court will deliver its judgement on 25 October.
