Father gets 10 years, 8 months for drunk driving death of unhelmeted daughter

A father in Taiwan has been sentenced to 10 years and 8 months in prison for drunk driving that resulted in his 6-year-old daughter's death. The court's decision marks one of the heaviest sentences for a single charge of drunk driving causing death under Taiwan's National Judges system.

The father, identified as Chen, had a history of drunk driving offenses and a suspended license. Despite knowing he was picking up his daughter from school, he drank six 500ml bottles of beer. He also failed to ensure his daughter wore a helmet, despite one being available. The collision occurred when his motorcycle, traveling at 60 km/h, collided with a car turning left. The young girl was ejected from the motorcycle and died from her injuries after being rushed to the hospital.

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I harmed my daughter and I also miss her very much. I really love my daughter and cannot forgive myself. I hope to be given another chance.

During the trial, Chen expressed remorse, stating he loved his daughter and could not forgive himself. However, his wife testified that their prior mediation agreement was based on his inability to pay compensation, not forgiveness, and that she still harbored hatred towards him. The National Judges panel considered Chen's repeated drunk driving offenses, prior convictions for being a fraud syndicate money mule, and drug dealing. They determined his subjective malice was extreme, especially as a father who failed to protect his child, pushing her into extreme danger.

The court acknowledged Chen's self-surrender for a reduced sentence but denied a second reduction, deeming his actions not "compassionately forgivable." The panel noted that since the National Judges system began in 2023, 33 drunk driving death cases have resulted in verdicts, with Chen's sentence being the most severe for a single charge. The ruling emphasizes the severe consequences of drunk driving, particularly when it leads to the death of a child.

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At the time, I signed the mediation agreement with Chen because he couldn't afford to pay anyway. In reality, I haven't forgiven him. I hate him in my heart!