A motorcyclist from Rivne region was sentenced to 7 years in prison for the death of a 32-year-old passenger.

The Zarichne District Court has issued a verdict against Serhiy K. for causing a fatal traffic accident. The defendant was intoxicated while riding a motorcycle and fell while attempting to avoid a pothole, along with his 32-year-old passenger. The woman sustained severe injuries and died in the hospital a few hours later. For his actions, the driver was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

According to the verdict dated February 24, the accident occurred on the night of May 30, 2024, between the villages of Zarichne and Chernin in the Varash district. Investigators reported that the 24-year-old motorcyclist lost control while trying to avoid a pothole, resulting in a fall with his 32-year-old passenger. The injured woman was hospitalized, where she died a few hours later.

In court, Serhiy K. admitted his guilt and expressed remorse. He stated that he was traveling at a speed of approximately 100-110 km/h when the motorcycle suddenly braked, causing him to fall along with the passenger, who suffered a head injury. The defendant called for an ambulance and, following the victim's death, compensated her mother with 30,000 UAH. He requested not to be severely punished. Meanwhile, an examination revealed that the man had 2.4 promille of alcohol in his blood.

The mother of the deceased passenger testified in court that her daughter left behind five minor children, who were taken into care by other families. She requested that the motorcyclist be sentenced to imprisonment at the court's discretion.

Judge Nadiya Zeykan found Serhiy K. guilty under part 3 of Article 286-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (violation of traffic rules while intoxicated, resulting in the death of the victim) and imposed a sentence of 7 years in prison. The decision can still be appealed in the appellate court.