Driver Who Hit Pedestrian and Left While Laughing Caught by Dashcam

▲ Dashcam / File Photo: Yonhap News

A driver who hit a pedestrian while parking under the influence of alcohol and fled the scene has been sentenced to a suspended prison term after the vehicle's dashcam audio and footage proved their guilt, despite the driver's claim in court that they were unaware they had hit anyone.

The Jeonju District Court, presided over by Judge Kim Hyun-ji of the 6th Criminal Division, announced today (July 10) that it sentenced the defendant, identified as A, to one year and two months in prison, suspended for three years, on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes (hit-and-run resulting in injury) and the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving).

The defendant was indicted for hitting a pedestrian, B, who was standing behind the vehicle while reversing in an apartment complex in Muju-gun, Jeonbuk, at approximately 8:47 p.m. on September 6 of last year, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.114%, a level warranting license revocation.

Despite the protests of B, who suffered injuries to their knees and feet after being struck by the car, the defendant left the parking lot while laughing.

Even after standing trial for the incident, the defendant argued through their attorney that the victim did not suffer injuries that would constitute bodily harm under criminal law, and that even if there were injuries, the defendant had no intent to flee because they were unaware of the collision.

However, the dashcam in the defendant's vehicle contained evidence that contradicted these claims.

The court confirmed that the rear-facing dashcam footage recorded continuous beeping sounds as the vehicle approached the pedestrian and other objects at the time of the accident.

Furthermore, when the victim, who suspected the defendant was driving under the influence, approached the vehicle, the defendant was recorded saying, "That person is funny," clearly indicating that the defendant was aware of the person's presence behind the car while continuing to attempt to park.

The court stated, "The victim has consistently testified that the defendant, who was driving under the influence, hit them and fled, and this is consistent with the dashcam footage, making the testimony credible." The court added, "Given the extent of the injuries, as shown in photos taken by the victim, the defendant should have taken appropriate measures, such as providing aid after the accident."

The court further ruled, "The defendant hit a pedestrian who was trying to stop them from driving drunk and then fled, yet they have shown no remorse and denied the charges with implausible excuses, which indicates a poor attitude toward the crime." However, the court noted, "We have determined the sentence by taking into account that the victim's injuries were relatively minor and that the defendant's vehicle was covered by comprehensive insurance, allowing for compensation to be made to the victim."

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