Tokyo High Court upholds 20-year sentence for drunk driver in Gunma fatal crash

The Tokyo High Court has rejected an appeal by 72-year-old former truck driver Goro Suzuki, upholding a 20-year prison sentence for dangerous driving resulting in death. The ruling maintains the maximum statutory penalty handed down by the Maebashi District Court.

The incident occurred on May 6, 2024, in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture. Suzuki was driving a truck under the influence of alcohol when he crossed a median strip and collided with two vehicles in the oncoming lane. The crash resulted in the deaths of Hiroto Tsukagoshi (26), his son Minato (2), and Masahiro (53).

During the proceedings, the defense argued that the accident was caused by driving errors within the scope of negligence and contested the prosecution's claim of intoxication. However, the court affirmed the charge of dangerous driving causing death and injury, stating there were no unreasonable points in the original verdict.