Teen gets 1.5 years in prison for killing toddler in hit-and-run
The court in Breda sentenced 18-year-old Elias A. to 1.5 years in prison for killing 3-year-old Nasim in a hit-and-run accident in Breda on King's Day. Six months of the sentence is conditionally suspended. He also has to undergo treatement in a clinic and his driver's license is suspended for four years, the Telegraaf reports.
The sentence is quite a bit lower than the 3 years in prison the Public Prosecutor demanded. The court ruled on a lower sentence because the young perpetrator has large developmental delays - slightly feeble minded and sustained post traumatic stress disorder in the fatal accident.
According to the court, manslaughter could not be proven as there was insufficient evidence of intent or recklessness. A. was found guilty for leaving the scene of the accident.
"The court is aware that no punisment, in whatever form or degree, will be able to make up for the loss of Nassim and the suffering the relatives will take away", the judge said on Thursday.
The verdict came one day after what would have been Nassim's fourth birthday. His family left the court in tears, according to the newspaper.
