Dražen Šolc sentenced to prison for fatal hit-and-run

The High Criminal Court of the Republic of Croatia has issued a final verdict sentencing former drummer Dražen Šolc to four and a half years in prison. The sentence follows a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred nine years ago in Zagreb.

Šolc, known for his work with rock groups such as Parni valjak and Prljavo kazalište, struck a pedestrian, Vjeran Dasović, at a marked pedestrian crossing on Ilica street. Instead of providing assistance, Šolc fled the scene. The victim succumbed to his injuries in the hospital three days later. While Šolc claimed he reported himself to the police, the court noted he was actually located by police eight hours after the incident and had attempted to flee.

The court increased the sentence from a previous three-year term to four and a half years after accepting an appeal from the State Attorney's Office. The court cited Šolc’s “complete recklessness” and lack of humanity for failing to assist the victim. In addition to the prison term, Šolc is prohibited from operating motor vehicles for two years following the completion of his sentence.