Silver medalist Akira Honda found guilty in Tama city dangerous driving causing death

Akira Honda (24), a silver medalist in the men's swimming competition at the Tokyo Olympics, was sentenced on the 9th at the Tokyo District Court's Tachikawa Branch on charges of violating the Motor Vehicle Driving Punishment Act (dangerous driving causing injury) for driving at over 100km/h on a general road in Tama City, Tokyo, and colliding with a car in the oncoming lane, seriously injuring a man. Judge Keita Nakajima called it ``extremely dangerous and reckless,'' and sentenced him to one year of imprisonment, suspended for three years (one year of mandatory imprisonment).

Judge Nakajima pointed out that the defendant's statement that he sped up because he did not want to lose to the car in front of him was ``there is no room for extenuating circumstances.'' On the other hand, the court ruled that the suspended sentence was appropriate because he was subject to certain social sanctions, including being forced to withdraw from international competitions.

After the announcement, he explained, ``I hope that the day will come when we can see him play an active role again and support him.''

At the trial so far, Honda stated, ``I didn't get any results in the competition, and I couldn't make a calm decision.I've caused trouble to many people, and I regret it.I will never drive again.''

According to the ruling, around 8:30 a.m. on November 21 last year, Honda was driving at 88 to 108 km/h on a curved public road with a legal speed limit of 30 km/h and collided with an oncoming vehicle. A man in his 60s suffered serious injuries, including a fractured sternum.