Eight months ago, Tom Swoon was the cause of a fatal traffic accident in which he was driving under the influence of alcohol; the passenger of the car he hit died, and the driver was sent to the hospital but eventually survived.
Today in court, Tom Swoon, real name Dorian Tomasiak, was officially sentenced to four years, eight months in prison, as well as lifetime ban on driving a car, and a fine of 50 thousand PLN for the victims (approximately $13,500 USD).
However, the prosecutor didn’t agree with the sentencing. As he argues, punishment is inadequate for the crime, requesting an additional 18 months in prison and an higher fine of 60,000 PLN (approx. $16,000 USD).
Throughout the hearing, Tomasiak never denied causing the accident and was seen visibly weeping multiple times.
“I don’t remember much that day. I remember that I was in my room, and then for a long time nothing, until the handcuffs were on my hands and I heard that I had killed a man,” he spoke with difficulty, breathing heavily.
“Knowing that I’ve taken a person’s life is the greatest punishment that could have happened to me. I am not even able to ask for it, but I apologize to you wholeheartedly,” he said, addressing the driver who survived the crash.
The court revealed their justification for the sentencing at the end of the trial, stating [translated from Polish], “The guilt of the accused was not in doubt, and the accused himself admitted to it. The court considered that the penalty of four years and eight months of imprisonment would be appropriate. The fault is unquestionable, but the court also took into account the other circumstances which were disclosed in this case. It is about these circumstances that reveal the way of life of the accused before committing a crime and his behavior after. There is no doubt that the accused was in a stable style before the crime. In addition, the accused in the court’s judgment honestly regrets the deed he has committed. For him it is also a great tragedy, though not as great as for the victims.”
via ONET