A Porsche driver who plunged off Seoul's Banpo Bridge while under the influence of drugs admitted to all charges at her first trial.
The Seoul Western District Court's Criminal Division 7, presided over by Senior Judge Lee Tae-young, held the first hearing on Wednesday for a woman in her 30s, identified by her surname Hwang, who was indicted under detention on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act and drug-impaired driving under the Road Traffic Act. Hwang's side acknowledged all the charges raised by the prosecutor. Her defense attorney told the court that she "is sincerely remorseful and is in the process of reaching a settlement with the victims."
On February 25 this year, Hwang was driving a Porsche SUV while under the influence of drugs when she broke through a guardrail on Banpo Bridge and fell onto the Han River bank near Jamsu Bridge. Two people, including a Mercedes-Benz driver, were injured during the crash. More than 100 drug items were found in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
Since being referred to trial, Hwang has submitted more than 30 letters of apology. The victim filed a petition for severe punishment with the court on the 15th. The next hearing is scheduled for July 7.
