TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A man in Taoyuan was sentenced to 8.5 years in jail with no further option to appeal, for the crimes of driving drunk, killing a pedestrian, and fleeing the scene of an accident.
The man, surnamed Hsiong (熊), struck and killed a Thai worker, surnamed Peng (彭) on the evening of March 9, 2023 in Taoyuan’s Xinwu District. Hsiong then fled the scene of the accident and returned home, before he was tracked down by police and arrested two hours after the incident, reported UDN.
Peng was reportedly standing on the side of Zhongshan East Rd. at an intersection, when Hsiong’s vehicle veered directly into him. Hsiong did not stop to give first aid, and Peng died before he could receive treatment at a hospital.
On the night of the accident, a breathalyser measured Hsiong’s breath alcohol concentration at .48mg per liter, a level that indicates impaired motor skills and vision.
The court determined that the serious nature of Hsiong’s crime and his callous behavior merited a severe penalty. Hsiong was convicted on charges of drunk driving, causing an accident resulting in death, and fleeing the scene of a crime, and the court, and the Supreme Court rejected his appeal.
Drunk driving is a serious offense in Taiwan. First-time offenders can face fines between NT$30,000 (US$1,000) and NT$120,000 (US$4,000). Repeat offenders who cause harm to others face a minimum sentence of imprisonment for three to 10 years upon conviction, or five years to life for those who cause accidents resulting in death.
