6 months Ago
"He Endangered Lives Every Day"
On the trial's second day, family members were permitted to read statements about how the crash had devastated them: Seven people were killed, including an unborn child, and seven were injured.
"The suspect took risks, time and time again," said Sander Koot, on behalf of himself and his two brothers, who lost their father in the crash. "He was putting people at risk every single day." He also censured the suspect's failure to open up. "Your poor memory about something that you will never be able to forget does not work. We are three young kids who have lost our father too soon. We have missed our friend, mentor, and great leader."
Family members were particularly upset to learn he had traces of cocaine in his blood. Experts think this may have sparked an epileptic seizure and can help explain the crash. They said anyone with a genuine health issue like epilepsy should know better than to take such risks.
Driver Expresses Remorse, Denies Seizure
Juan C.S. maintains that he did not have a seizure that day, but the Public Prosecution Service (OM) thinks otherwise. In court, C.S. expressed regret: "It was a horrible thing — no more than that." He said he didn't recall the crash.
There were victims' family statements read out by Victim Support Netherlands and the court, and they described the depth of the tragedy on both the families and the wider community. People are so hysterical right now." and then another: "Society completely fell apart, chaos everything, but everyone in shock and massive fear. It's a nightmare that they'll never forget, it's just a bad movie that hasn't ended."
The Koot brothers finished their letter asking the court to make certain that C.S. never gets behind the wheel again. "Ensure that he never has the ability to make this mistake again," Sander Koot said.
The prosecution is to issue its sentencing recommendation next week.
