An unsanctioned car race on a busy highway led to the tragic death of an unlucky motorcyclist, who happened to be in the path of the dangerous drivers.
The court heard that the two men accidentally hit the victim with their cars as they sped along, forcing him to fall onto the road and causing his motorcycle to crash and burn.
The men, who were earlier convicted of reckless driving, manslaughter and more, lost their final appeal at the Cassation Court.
Bahrain’s highest court upheld a two-year prison sentence and a BD2,000 fine.
It also upheld a penalty to suspend their drivers’ licences for one year after completing their time in jail.
The Lower Criminal Court previously convicted the men of wrongful death, driving without the utmost caution, not complying with road safety rules and exceeding the speed limit by 30 per cent.
They were also found guilty of conducting a race on National Charter Highway without obtaining permission from the General Directorate of Traffic.
Judges further convicted the reckless drivers on charges of property damage and leaving the victim with a ‘100pc permanent disability’ which led to his imminent death.
“The defendants were racing on National Charter Highway, above its clearly stated maximum speed, in a way that endangered other motorists and passengers,” read the verdict.
“The victim was riding a motorcycle when the first suspect hit him with his side mirror, and caused him to lose control of his bike and begin swaying.
“Then, the second suspect decided to switch lanes – from the left to the middle lane – and the front of his car collided with the back of the victim’s motorcycle.
“This collision saw the victim ascend the second suspect’s bonnet, then fall on the road, as his bike tumbled onto the street, caught fire and was completely destroyed.
“He died as a result of his injuries.”
On account of the July 2024 incident, the men were tried and convicted but were granted BD200 bail to suspend their sentence until they had exhausted all appeal options.
The High Criminal Appeals Court upheld the verdict which was upheld once again by the Cassation Court.
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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