Street race killer set to go on trial

By Cyril Li  |   2009-7-6  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

A DRIVER who killed a pedestrian while street racing in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, is expected to go on trial for vehicular manslaughter since prosecutors have referred the case to a local court.

The indictment said Hu Bin hit and killed Tan Zhuo while speeding in downtown Hangzhou on May 7, committing vehicular manslaughter. The Xihu District People's Court is going to hear the case.

Tan's father told the Oriental Morning Post on Saturday Hu should be charged with endangering public safety.

Vehicular manslaughter attracts a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment while endangering public safety can bring the death penalty.

Tan's father said Hu was engaging in street racing with his friends, which has been banned by Hangzhou authority since 2006.

Hu, 20, has already agreed to pay 1.13 million yuan (US$165,580.03) in compensation to the Tan's family, police said.