The accused (46) – a family man and employee of an electronics company – traveled from Osaka, Japan, to the trial in Salzburg. And faced up to his responsibility: “I take the blame.” In 2019 he caused a traffic accident in Golling in which a motorcyclist died.
“I have already apologized to the family. But I know that it is inexcusable and I take the blame on myself.” In addition to obvious remorse, the accused showed manners and decency – not a matter of course before the criminal court. On that October day two and a half years ago, he was on his way to Hallstatt with a couple he was friends with – a trip. But after the Golling motorway exit, the Japanese made a fatal mistake: before turning, he switched to the left lane, overlooked several traffic signs and the double lane closure and was in the oncoming lane for 14 seconds. A head-on accident with a motorcyclist followed – the local died. The couple traveling with them suffered serious injuries. The defender argued with an “automatism”, since left-hand traffic applies in Japan and motorway exits are in principle one-way. For victim lawyer Stefan Launsky, however, it was a gross violation of due diligence. That’s how the judge saw it: Because of grossly negligent homicide, he was sentenced to six months’ conditional imprisonment and a fine of 2,640 euros. The Japanese accepted the verdict. The victim’s family was awarded compensation for pain and suffering: Further claims are still being judicially clarified.
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