Driver receives suspended prison sentence

A 51-year-old man was sentenced to three years in prison for causing the deaths of four hikers in Steenbecque, northern France, in February 2024. The sentence includes two years that are suspended, meaning he will not serve them immediately unless he commits another offense.

Court imposes additional penalties

The Dunkerque court also ordered the revocation of the driver's license for three years and the confiscation of the vehicle involved in the accident. He faced a potential maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.

Victims' lawyer expresses disappointment

Me Antoine Régley, the lawyer for the victims' families, said the court's decision caused "a deep sense of injustice among the victims" and "rekindles immense pain, suffering combined with a deep sense of incomprehension and injustice." He criticized the defendant for not offering sincere apologies.

Driver admits to falling asleep at the wheel

The driver explained that he had fallen asleep at the wheel after a weekend of celebration, driving north from the south of France during the night. He admitted he had created the situation that led to the accident.

Victims were elderly locals

The four victims were aged between 69 and 77 years, and all were from Steenbecque and Morbecque. The driver had been under judicial supervision since the accident occurred.