Two brothers received prison sentences Thursday for a fatal traffic accident that killed a 78-year-old cyclist in Denmark. The court found them guilty of negligent manslaughter and fleeing the accident scene.
The incident occurred last September on Ydre Ringvej in Fredericia. Brian Fisker Hansen's father was cycling when he was struck by a car. He suffered severe injuries and died three days later at Skejby Hospital.
The younger brother, who was driving without a valid license, received one year and nine months in prison. His sentence included six months for the traffic offenses and an additional fifteen months for drug trafficking. Police had found significant quantities of narcotics at his residence intended for resale.
The older brother received five months in prison solely for fleeing the accident scene. Both men left despite knowing the elderly cyclist was likely seriously injured.
What speed was the car traveling during the collision? The younger brother claimed in Snapchat messages that he hit the man at 150 km/h. But the court found no evidence supporting this extreme speed. A traffic investigator estimated the vehicle was traveling about 80 km/h at impact.
The driver admitted to operating the vehicle but disputed the prosecution's account of events. He claimed no memory of sending the Snapchat message about the high-speed impact.
Two key witnesses testified during the trial. One woman saw the accident and stopped to help the injured cyclist. She stated the brothers' car was traveling far above the speed limit and continued driving after the collision. The traffic investigator confirmed the 80 km/h estimate based on scene evidence.
The court determined the prosecution failed to prove the driving was particularly reckless. But it found both brothers guilty of negligence for fleeing when the victim clearly needed assistance.
Despite the prosecutor's request, the court decided against detaining the men after sentencing. The brothers had denied guilt throughout the legal proceedings.
This case highlights the serious consequences of hit-and-run accidents in Denmark. The court treated fleeing the scene as a significant aggravating factor, particularly given the victim's obvious need for medical attention.