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Yaron Bracha, who allegedly killed six people when he failed to heed a red traffic light earlier this month, waiting at the court house on March 14. (Motti Kimche)
Last update - 16:38 27/03/2007
Judge: Driving under influence is tantamount to firing a weapon
By Nir Hasson, Haaretz Correspondent

Tel Aviv District Court Judge David Rosen on Tuesday extended driver Yaron Bracha's remand until the end of proceedings and drew a parallel between Bracha and a man firing a weapon in a crowded area.

Earlier this month, Bracha allegedly killed six people after running a red light and crashing into another car.

His blood and urine samples tested positive for cocaine, marijuana, and three times the legal alcohol levels in the blood, police said.

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Attorney Orr Maimon, speaking for the prosecution, justified his request for remand for the extent of proceedings bay saying Bracha's release would be dangerous and that Bracha is a flight risk in light of the severe sentence he is expected to receive.

Bracha's attorney, Yaakov Shklar, objected to the prosecution's request and said Bracha denies having taken drugs prior to the accident.

Shklar also elaborated on Bracha's driving record, which includes only four tickets, saying Bracha was actually "a cautious driver."

Shklar further argued that Bracha is not a criminal or a "mad dog" that would go out and run people over upon his release, and said there is no precedent for remand for the extent of proceedings.

In his ruling, the judge rejected Shklar's claims and wrote the "A person who boards his or her vehicle after drinking alcoholic beverages and/or taking dangerous drugs is tantamount to a person who picks up a firearm and start shooting in a city center bustling with people."

"It is unheard of for such a person to say that he or she did not intend to hurt or kill anyone," Rosen wrote.

Rosen further ruled that there is sufficient evidence that Bracha used marijuana and cocaine prior to the accident, and, therefore, the offence is not negligence, but rather a voluntary and premeditated act. The judge thus decreed that the danger presented by Bracha cannot be combated in any manner other than remand.

The accident occurred earlier in March as five of the victims, all Egged bus drivers, were returning home from work in one car. The sixth fatality was Bracha's twin brother, Eyal. Yaron Bracha was seriously wounded in the crash.

The five Egged drivers were named as Yitzhak Cohen, 42, of Ashdod and four Ashkelon residents: Moshe Ben-Gigi, 44; Aharon Benishi, 55; Michael Kashpur, 28; and Yona David, 51.

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  1.   Thank you, Judge Rosen 15:00  |  Dani Reiss 27/03/07
  2.   judge 15:29  |  ronka 27/03/07
  3.   Well done Judge Rosen Thank YOU 15:37  |  Dezon 27/03/07
  4.   BRAVO! Judge Rosen 16:15  |  SD 27/03/07
  5.   Col hacavod! 16:43  |  Nik Miller 27/03/07
  6.   driving 16:43  |  colin 27/03/07
  7.   95% correct 18:12  |  schlash 27/03/07
  8.   #7 - 100% Correct 18:34  |  Kate 27/03/07
  9.   Murder with a Vehicle 19:36  |  Dr. David 27/03/07
  10.   judge 19:46  |  mike cohen 27/03/07
  11.   Most people don`t drive when smoking pot 21:31  |  Funie 27/03/07
  12.   I realize it`s a waste of time to try to explain... 22:50  |  newageblues 27/03/07
  13.   earlier report indicated drinking was at family party 03:45  |  newageblues 28/03/07
  14.   Yaron Bracha 06:18  |  Boruch Hoffinger 06/04/07
  15.   Yaron Bracha 06:20  |  Boruch Hoffinger 06/04/07
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