Bus driver who hit five people released in courtroom in St. Petersburg
Photo: pxhere.com
On July 26, the Vasileostrovsky District Court of St. Petersburg made a decision that caused a wide public outcry. The driver of a scheduled bus who hit five pedestrians was released from custody, but with a fine of 500 thousand rubles and a ban on driving vehicles for two years, TASS writes.
The accident occurred on January 24, when the driver of bus route 152, driving a technically sound vehicle, showed «criminal recklessness and inattention to the traffic situation» at a controlled intersection. As a result, he lost control of the bus, which drove onto the sidewalk where pedestrians were. Five people received serious injuries, which became the basis for initiating a criminal case under Part 1 of Article 264 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation — violation of traffic rules and operation of vehicles.
At the court hearing, the driver admitted his guilt, which, of course, influenced the court's decision. The court took into account that he spent several months in a pre-trial detention center, which became a weighty argument for mitigating the punishment. As a result, instead of imprisonment, the court imposed a fine, which was effectively zero for the driver, since the time spent in custody was taken into account as compensation.
In addition, the court collected significant amounts from the company that owned the bus as compensation for moral damages. One of the victims will receive 900 thousand rubles, two — 700 thousand each, and another victim — 1 million 200 thousand rubles. These decisions emphasize the importance of responsibility not only for drivers, but also for vehicle owners.
The court's decision has caused a mixed reaction in society. Many believe that this approach to punishment does not correspond to the severity of the crime, especially considering the serious injuries of the victims.