In a recent ruling, the former driver of ex-Minister of Internal Administration Eduardo Cabrita was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended, and a nine-month driving ban for involuntary manslaughter in the fatal A6 highway incident. The court found both parties at fault, assigning half the blame to the driver and the other half to the deceased worker, citing negligent speed and poor work signage as contributing factors.
The defense lawyer has announced plans to appeal, arguing for acquittal, while the victim's family's lawyer is considering an appeal as well.
The tragic event occurred on June 18, 2021, when the official vehicle carrying Eduardo Cabrita, driven by Marco Pontes, struck and killed 43-year-old Nuno Santos, a maintenance worker on the A6 highway. The prosecution accused Pontes of gross negligence homicide, leading to Cabrita's resignation shortly after the charges were filed.
During the trial, the prosecutor emphasized the driver's excessive speed and the victim's improper presence on the highway, describing the incident as a "freak accident". The court's decision reflects a balance between these factors, opting for a suspended sentence.
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