08.05.2025 15:02
A verdict has been reached in the case of the police officer who caused the death of one person and the injury of another while reversing an official vehicle parked in Şişli. The defendant, who was defending himself, stated, "I am constantly crying due to my sadness over this incident; I cannot get a grip on myself." The court sentenced the defendant to 2 years and 6 months in prison and ordered his release.
On September 10, 2024, in Şişli, the case of police officer G.U., who caused the death of Ergül Kaya by hitting him with his vehicle while reversing the official team vehicle parked, and injured Ayşegül Tofan, has been concluded. In the recent hearing held at the Istanbul Heavy Penal Court, the detained defendant police officer G.U. and his lawyer were present. The deceased Ergül Kaya's spouse, Dursun Kaya, attended as a 'complainant' along with his lawyers. Additionally, Ayşegül Tofan, who was injured in the accident, was present in court as a 'victim.'
"I AM CONSTANTLY CRYING BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT"
During the hearing, the defendant G.U. expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, "This tragic event occurred as a result of an accident that could happen to anyone; I had no intention of harming anyone. I was at my post, as always, to help citizens. My colleague asked me to move the vehicle back a bit; I put the vehicle in reverse, and when I took my foot off the brake, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, and I hit something. I tried to help the person I hit by holding their hand and called for an ambulance. I did everything I could to prevent them from losing consciousness. I am constantly crying due to my sadness over this incident; I can't get myself together," he said.
NO COMPLAINT FILED
Complainant Dursun Kaya stated that he learned about the events later, that his wife had directly passed away, and that his complaint was ongoing. Victim Tofan indicated that she was hit by the vehicle but had no injuries, expressing that she had no complaints. After the lawyers' statements were taken, the defendant, when asked for his final words, requested acquittal from the court.
RELEASED AFTER BEING SENTENCED TO 2 YEARS AND 6 MONTHS IN PRISON
The court, announcing its decision, sentenced the defendant G.U. to 2 years and 6 months in prison for the crime of 'causing death by negligence,' taking into account his past and behavior during the trial process. Additionally, considering the time the defendant spent in detention, a decision for his release was made.
FROM THE INDICTMENT
In the indictment prepared by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, it was stated that on the day of the incident, the suspect G.U., who was serving as a police officer, made a move to reverse the official team vehicle parked a few meters back, during which the incident occurred. The indictment, which also included an expert report, indicated that the suspect police officer G.U. was 'primarily at fault,' and that there was no fault on the part of the deceased Ergül Kaya and the injured Ayşegül Tofan.
In the prepared indictment, it was requested that the suspect police officer G.U. be sentenced to imprisonment of 2 years and 8 months to 9 years for the crime of 'causing death by conscious negligence.'