Driver in fatal Changhua crash receives suspended sentence after settlement

Taichung, April 1 (CNA) An unlicensed driver who caused a fatal crash that killed two young sisters in Changhua County received a heavier sentence but avoided jail after reaching a settlement with the victims' family, a court ruling showed Wednesday.

The case can still be appealed.

The Taiwan High Court's Taichung branch overturned a lower court decision and sentenced the man, surnamed Hsiao (蕭), to two years in prison, suspended for five years.

Hsiao had previously been sentenced to one year and two months by the Changhua District Court for negligent homicide.

Prosecutors said the man, in his 70s, had never obtained a driver's license and was driving in Shengang Township on Feb. 22, 2024, when the accident occurred.

At an intersection, he struck three siblings surnamed Chen (陳) who were crossing the road. The younger brother suffered minor injuries, while his 10-year-old sister and 9-year-old sister later died after months of treatment.

The court said Hsiao was speeding at about 77 kilometers per hour in a 70 kph zone and failed to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk, describing his conduct as a major cause of the crash.

While the children were found to have crossed on a red light, judges said the defendant's violations -- including driving without a license and failing to yield -- carried greater responsibility.

The court said the original sentence did not fully reflect the severity of the offense and therefore increased the prison term.

However, it granted a suspended sentence after noting that Hsiao admitted wrongdoing during the second trial, showed remorse and reached a settlement with the victims' family.

The family agreed not to pursue further criminal liability and consented to a suspended sentence, the court said.

Family members told CNA they accepted the outcome but declined further comment, saying, "There is nothing we can do."