A 28-year-old man was sentenced to 18 years in prison by the Isère Assize Court for a fatal police chase in 2022. The incident occurred on the evening of December 7, 2022, in Bourgoin-Jallieu, northeast of Lyon.
The chase began when police attempted to stop the man, who was driving a stolen car. He fled at high speed, running a red light and colliding with another vehicle. The driver of that car, a 22-year-old man, was killed instantly.
During his trial, the defendant, who has a long criminal record, reportedly stated, "I am a big delinquent, but I am not a big bandit," acknowledging his actions while distancing himself from organized crime. The court found him guilty of murder and aggravated refusal to comply.
The prosecution had sought a 20-year sentence. The 18-year term was handed down with a security period of two-thirds. The victim's family expressed relief at the verdict, though it brings little solace for their loss.
