Drunk Bulgarian crashes into e-biker in Dornbirn – five months conditional imprisonment
A 34-year-old Bulgarian crashed his car into an e-biker at 2.22 per mille blood alcohol level and inflicted serious injuries. The Feldkirch regional court imposed five months conditional imprisonment.
Trial in Feldkirch: 2.22 per mille, seriously injured cyclist, legally binding judgement
As Google News AT — Crime (de) reports, a 34-year-old Bulgarian national had to answer to the Feldkirch regional court: in March, he hit an e-biker on a cycle path in Dornbirn whilst drunk with his car and inflicted serious injuries.
At the time of the accident, the defendant had a blood alcohol level of 2.22 per mille. Prosecutor Richard Gschwenter expressed surprise at this figure at the very beginning of the hearing and stated: "There could have been fatalities."
Loss of control, crash into wall
The Bulgarian was returning from a party around 22.30 when he lost control of his vehicle on the Dr.-Anton-Schneider-Straße in Dornbirn-Haselstauden. His car struck a 35-year-old e-biker with full force. The cyclist – a father of two – flew over the bonnet, hit the windscreen and was hurled onto the asphalt; in doing so, he pulled his wife, who was riding immediately in front of him, down with him.
After the collision, the driver accelerated again and drove into a wall. His car was a total loss; the road remained closed for an hour and a half.
Shoulder blade, breastbone, ribs – all broken
The e-biker's injuries are substantial: shoulder blade, breastbone, collarbone, ribs and ankle – broken or severely bruised. The man spent eight weeks in hospital and rehabilitation. His injuries have not fully healed to this day. His wife sustained only bruises and abrasions.
Remorse in court, diversion rejected
In court, the Bulgarian admitted to the offence and apologised to the victims. His lawyer Hamza Ovacin pleaded for a diversion. Prosecutor Gschwenter rejected this approach given the blood alcohol level.
The judge imposed five months conditional imprisonment and a fine of 960 euros. In her verdict, she stated: "Such an offence requires a severe penalty." The judgement is already legally binding.
Civil legal proceedings expected
For the drink-driver, the matter is not yet concluded: civil law claims from the injured parties are likely to follow.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)