A resident of Lviv region avoided imprisonment after a deadly hit-and-run involving a 12-year-old cyclist.

The Horynetsky District Court in Lviv region has issued a verdict for the driver of an Audi A4, who fatally struck a 12-year-old cyclist at a pedestrian crossing. He compensated the parents of the deceased for moral damages, and the court took into account that the defendant is a participant in combat operations. The driver was released from prison time, which was replaced by a probation period, and his driving license was revoked for 3 years.

As stated in the verdict, which was published in the court register in January 2025, the accident occurred on April 19, 2024, in the village of Buchaly in Lviv region. The military officer from Lviv, Mykhailo L., was driving the Audi A4 at a speed of approximately 90 km/h, was inattentive while driving, and failed to yield to the cyclist who entered the uncontrolled pedestrian crossing. The 12-year-old boy died from the injuries sustained.

In court, the defendant admitted his guilt, acknowledging that he exceeded the speed limit and did not manage to stop the vehicle in time. The parents of the deceased filed claims for moral compensation and stated that they had no property claims against the defendant, requesting that he not be harshly punished.

This case was examined by Judge Olha Ferents, who reviewed all materials and data regarding the defendant. Notably, he is a combat participant, sustained a combat injury while serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, assisted in resolving the case, and compensated the parents of the deceased. The judge sentenced Mykhailo L. to 5 years in prison but suspended the execution of the sentence with a three-year probation period; he was also prohibited from driving vehicles for three years. The verdict is still subject to appeal.