On January 3, the District Court in Bolesławiec issued a verdict in the case against Grzegorz H., charged with causing a traffic accident in which a passenger in the other vehicle died, and with driving a car under the influence of psychotropic substances.
The incident occurred on September 28, 2016, in the morning, on the road between Osiecznica and Świętoszów. Grzegorz H. was driving an Audi A4 under the influence of methamphetamine and alcohol (at least 0.6 per mille).
Near the village of Ławszowa, H. lost control of the car he was driving and crossed into the opposite lane, where he collided head-on with an Opel Zafira traveling properly. Both vehicles overturned and left the roadway. As a result of the collision, the Opel’s passenger sustained extensive injuries to her head, chest and abdominal cavity. She died at the scene. The driver suffered a fracture of the talus. The investigation established that, at the time of the accident, the defendant was traveling at more than 120 km/h.
The court found H. guilty and sentenced him to a total of 8 years in prison. (The man may apply for early release no sooner than after serving 6.5 years of his sentence.)
In addition, the convicted man was banned for life from driving any motor vehicle on public roads. H. is to pay PLN 15,000 each to the three closest relatives of the woman who died tragically, and PLN 10,000 to the Opel’s driver. The man is also required to pay PLN 5,000 to the Fund for Assistance to Victims and Post-Penitentiary Assistance.
Grzegorz H. was a professional soldier. He worked at the Military Unit in Świętoszów. He had no prior criminal record.
The ruling is not final.
