A 33-year-old man received a two and a half year prison sentence for causing the death of police officer Magnus Buhl Hansen. The fatal collision occurred on Copenhagen's Langebro bridge during a rainy night in 2019.
The convicted man had been living abroad for several years and was internationally wanted. He finally accepted responsibility for the accident in court this week.
Officer Hansen was 35 years old when the high-speed crash ended his life. The driver's vehicle crossed into the opposite lane on the wet bridge surface, striking the police car directly.
After the collision, the driver fled the scene but was later apprehended. He spent nearly four weeks in pre-trial detention before release when technical investigations showed no alcohol or drugs in his system.
The case faced multiple delays, including court cancellations during COVID-19 lockdowns. When proceedings resumed in December 2020, the defendant failed to appear, claiming he was abroad with coronavirus.
Authorities determined his excuse lacked proper documentation. An international arrest warrant was issued, leading to his capture in Dubai in 2021.
Denmark and the United Arab Emirates finalized an extradition agreement in 2022. The Langebro case was specifically mentioned as one where authorities hoped for cooperation.
The extradition finally occurred earlier this year, bringing the long-delayed case to resolution. The court based its sentencing on Danish legislation from 2019, before penalties for negligent homicide under aggravated circumstances were increased.
The conviction includes several other traffic violations besides the fatal collision. Legal observers note this case highlights challenges in prosecuting international fugitives, even when evidence appears clear.
Copenhagen's Langebro bridge connects the city center with Amager island and sees heavy daily traffic. The sentence concludes a six-year pursuit of justice for the fallen officer's family and colleagues.