Israel Court Sentences Driver to Six Years for Fatal Drunk Driving Crash

A 37-year-old resident of Netivot has been sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of killing a 29-year-old electric scooter rider in a drunk driving crash. The incident occurred about two and a half years ago during late-night hours. According to the indictment, the driver, Yehuda Barda, was under the influence of alcohol when his car struck the victim with immense force on a well-lit street with a clear line of sight of 95 meters. The victim was thrown onto the hood, hit the windshield, and crashed onto the pavement, sustaining critical injuries.

Despite the severity of the injuries, medical teams from Magen David Adom and Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba fought for his life, but doctors were forced to pronounce him dead five days after the crash. Barda sustained minor injuries and refused a police request at the hospital to provide a blood sample for alcohol testing. He was convicted of manslaughter through recklessness, as investigators established he knowingly drove while intoxicated and aware of the deadly risks.

During the trial, Barda's defense argued for a stay of proceedings, claiming the manslaughter charge was disproportionate compared to similar cases of fatal drunk driving. However, Be'er Sheva District Court Judge Noa Hachlai rejected the argument, noting that serious drunk driving crashes resulting in fatalities are routinely prosecuted as recklessness rather than negligence. Although colleagues testified they smelled no alcohol, police officers on the scene reported an odor of alcohol. Judge Hachlai emphasized that Barda's refusal to undergo a blood test establishes a conclusive legal presumption of driving under the influence, leading to his conviction and a six-year prison sentence, which was delayed by 45 days to allow for an appeal.