Drunk Driver Sentenced to 13 Years for Killing Designated Driver

A South Korean court has sentenced a 30-year-old man to 13 years in prison for killing a designated driver while intoxicated. The incident occurred when the defendant, with a blood alcohol content of 0.152%, assaulted the 60-year-old driver over an alleged inconvenience with a speed bump. He then took the wheel, dragging the driver, who had been pushed out of the car, for approximately 1.5 kilometers. The driver was found to have become entangled in his seatbelt during the assault and died later from his injuries. The court dismissed the defendant's defense of blackout, stating that his inability to recall events did not negate his indirect intent to kill. The judge noted the defendant's evasion of responsibility for the murder charge and his failure to receive forgiveness from the victim's family. However, mitigating factors such as the impulsive nature of the crime while intoxicated and the defendant's lack of prior criminal record were considered in the sentencing.

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The fact that he cannot fully remember the situation at the time of the crime does not mean he did not accept the outcome of death. At least, indirect intent of murder is recognized.