A 23-year-old unlicensed driver was sentenced to 10 years in prison today for a drunk-driving hit-and-run that killed a university student delivering food earlier this year.
The Taichung District Court citizen-judge panel imposed nine years for driving under the influence causing death and five years for fleeing the scene. The sentences will run partly concurrently, resulting in a total of 10 years. The ruling remains subject to appeal.
Authorities said Wu had been drinking before driving through Situn District in March. He struck 22-year-old Chen, a medical student working part-time as a food delivery driver, and fled immediately. Police later reported his blood alcohol level measured 0.37 milligrams per liter, more than double the legal limit.
During the hearing, Chen’s father wore his son’s clothing and internship coat to symbolically represent him in court. He described the loss as an unbearable blow and expressed disappointment when Wu remained silent after being asked to apologize. The father walked out of the courtroom, stating he did not seek an apology because it would only serve to reduce the sentence.
The victim’s father criticized Taiwan’s penalties for DUI-related deaths as too lenient. He noted that offenders in Japan can face up to 20 years, while U.S. sentences may include life terms. He urged lawmakers to adopt stricter DUI laws that effectively deter drunk driving.
Additionally, he plans to file a civil lawsuit against the owner who lent Wu the car and will not pursue a settlement with the defendant. “Taiwan still has a long road ahead. Change must start with the law,” he said.
The case has drawn public attention to traffic safety and enforcement gaps in DUI legislation. Legal experts say the ruling may serve as a warning to other drivers and encourage discussion on stronger penalties for drunk-driving hit-and-run cases.
