Refused a blood test after a fatal accident: This is how the court ruled

Yehuda Barda (37) from Netivot was convicted of reckless manslaughter after driving drunk and hitting a 29-year-old scooter rider, who died five days later. The court sentenced him to six years in prison and rejected the defense's arguments. Barda refused a blood alcohol test, and the judge ruled that the refusal establishes an absolute presumption of drunk driving.

Yehuda Barda (37) from Netivot was convicted of reckless manslaughter after driving drunk and hitting a 29-year-old scooter rider, who died five days later. The court sentenced him to six years in prison, rejecting the defense's arguments. The accident occurred on a well-lit two-lane road, where Barda failed to notice the rider despite a 95-meter field of vision. The rider was struck with force, thrown to the ground, and despite medical efforts, died five days later. Barda refused a blood alcohol test at the hospital. The judge ruled that the refusal establishes an absolute presumption of drunk driving, and that Barda knowingly took an unreasonable risk. The sentence will take effect in 45 days, to allow Barda to organize and file an appeal.