Driver jailed 7 years over fatal drunk-driving crash

TDT | Manama

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A drunk driver who sped through a red light and caused a crash that killed one person and seriously injured another has been jailed for seven years by the High Criminal Court.

The court also ordered the deportation of the Asian defendant after he completes his prison sentence.

According to court documents, the accident happened around 2:25am while the defendant was driving his employer’s pickup truck at more than 30 per cent above the speed limit and under the influence of alcohol.

Investigators said he ignored a red traffic signal before crashing into a vehicle carrying two victims. The force of the collision sent the vehicle into the central divider, a traffic signal pole and another stationary vehicle.

One victim died from severe skull injuries, while the other suffered multiple fractures and underwent surgery. The crash also caused heavy damage to vehicles and public property.

During the Public Prosecution investigation, the defendant admitted that speeding, reckless driving and alcohol consumption led to the fatal accident. In its ruling, the court said the offences were closely linked and warranted the maximum penalty under the law, with no grounds for leniency.