A man sentenced earlier this year to two years in prison for driving under the influence and causing a crash that killed a young woman and injured his friend has had his jail term upheld by an appeals court.
The High Criminal Court, in March, found the 20-year-old motorist guilty of manslaughter, speeding, damaging property and injuring a passenger in the accident, which occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
He was convicted on six charges, including driving at least 30 per cent above the speed limit, reckless driving and causing death while under the influence of alcohol.
According to case details, the defendant had been travelling with the victim and a friend – both 20 year olds – after spending time at the beach in the early hours of January 1.
The group was heading from Manama to Riffa when the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting to merge onto Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Highway.
The car struck a barrier and two light poles in the sandy median before veering into the opposite lane and colliding with another vehicle.
The Indian victim was ejected from the vehicle and landed head-first on the road, dying at the scene.
An autopsy confirmed that she suffered a fractured skull and severe internal bleeding.
The defendant sustained minor injuries, while his 20-year-old Sri Lankan friend, who was seated in the passenger seat, received treatment in hospital and was later discharged.
The case was referred to the High Criminal Court, where the defendant admitted to the charges.
Following his conviction, he filed an appeal at the Supreme Criminal Appeals Court, but judges upheld the original two-year prison sentence.
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