On June 25, 2019, a tragic accident occurred in Budapest at Blaha Lujza Square, which has been meticulously reconstructed during the subsequent investigation.

H. Attila Márton, the pedestrian involved, was reportedly intoxicated at the time and stepped onto the crosswalk against a red signal while attempting to cross the street.

Simultaneously, a motorcyclist was travelling along József Boulevard towards Rákóczi Road, observing a green light.

However, investigations indicated that the motorcyclist was exceeding the speed limit of 50 kilometers per hour, accelerating to 93 kilometers per hour.

Upon noticing the unlawfully crossing pedestrian, the motorcyclist was unable to avert the collision despite attempts to brake and steer away.

As a result of the accident, the motorcyclist sustained severe injuries and, despite ongoing hospital treatment, succumbed to his injuries on October 2, 2020, over a year after the incident.

The intoxicated pedestrian also suffered significant injuries that were expected to require several months of recovery and included permanent disabilities.

In October 2023, the Budapest Court convicted H. Attila Márton of reckless manslaughter, previously issuing a one-year suspended prison sentence.

Both the prosecution sought a harsher penalty while the defendant appealed for acquittal.

During the latest hearing, H. Attila Márton chose not to make any statements nor exercise his right to address the court.

His attorney primarily requested acquittal but alternatively sought a reduced sentence and a payment plan for court costs.

The attorney also referenced Márton’s upcoming marriage planned for September.

The appellate court ultimately upheld the initial conviction for reckless manslaughter, emphasizing the pedestrian's responsibility in the incident.

The presiding judge, Ákos Ujvári, stated that pedestrians must not step onto the crosswalk while the light is red, asserting that it was unreasonable to suggest that the motorcyclist's speed influenced the pedestrian's obligation to yield.

Ujvári highlighted that Márton acknowledged his responsibility for crossing against the signal while claiming to have looked before crossing.

However, video footage clearly contradicted his assertion.

The judge remarked, 'By stepping onto the crosswalk in violation of traffic rules, while under the influence, the defendant failed to exercise the expected caution.

Had he acted with due attention, the severe outcome could have been avoided.'

In determining the sentence, the appellate court acknowledged mitigating factors, including the defendant's clean criminal record and the absence of ongoing legal proceedings against him.

It also considered the nature of the negligent act and the fact that Márton himself had sustained serious injuries in the collision.

The court approved the attorney's request, allowing for the payment of the approximately 1.5 million forint court costs in ten installments.

The one-year prison sentence was suspended for a probationary period of two years, permitting H. Attila Márton to proceed with his planned wedding in September, provided he does not commit further crimes during the probation period.