Witness in Żak trial: I received threats after the collision. Hearing postponed
During proceedings against Łukasz Żak, a woman who was travelling with him on the day of the tragedy testified that the defendant had intimidated her. The scheduled conclusion of the trial did not take place due to the absence of an expert witness.
Witness in Żak trial: I received threats after the collision. Hearing postponed
On Wednesday, another hearing took place at the district court in the capital concerning the tragic incident on Trasa Łazienkowska on 15 September of the previous year. It was planned to close the proceedings after hearing from an expert, however the expert witness failed to appear at the hearing. As a result, the judge set a new date for 13 July.
The main defendant is accused of causing a collision whilst intoxicated, at a dangerous speed and whilst filming a video on a mobile phone. A 37-year-old died in the crash, and four people, including two small children, were taken to hospital. According to RMF24, there were five people in the defendant's vehicle.
Seven men sat in the dock, including the driver. One of them – Kacper D. – is facing charges in separate proceedings. The remaining defendants are charged with obstructing an investigation and failing to provide assistance to the injured parties.
The key moment of Wednesday's hearing was the examination of Sara S., the last person on the witness list. The woman was in the car at the time of the incident. Due to concerns about her own safety, she requested that the defendants be removed from the courtroom during her testimony. The court acceded to her request.
The witness admitted that she regretted not contacting the police immediately after the tragedy. She indicated that she had been deeply distressed at the time. She relayed words from the driver suggesting that his girlfriend had died, as well as his use of a vulgar term regarding the victim.
However, the most serious allegation was an accusation of threats. The woman testified that the defendant had told her and her partner to keep quiet, otherwise he would resort to using a knife.
Regarding speed, Sara S. indicated the value of 171 km/h as the last figure she saw on the speedometer. Her partner apparently later told her about 191 km/h. However, experts assess that the Volkswagen was travelling at a speed of 226 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.
After the incident, the driver left the scene of the collision with the help of acquaintances. He was apprehended only in northern Germany pursuant to a European arrest warrant.
The witness had not sat before a court in this case for the first time. Previously, she had corrected her statements, explaining this as fear of retaliation from the main defendant.
Source: RMF24