Man (19) sentenced to eight months for killing pregnant woman while dangerously driving

He also received a five year driving ban

A 19-year-old man who hit and killed a pregnant woman while driving a BMW in Rotterdam last year has finally received his sentence: eight months in prison.

In March 2025, the man was driving at 115 km/h on the Toepad in Rotterdam — which has a speed limit of 50 km/h. He told the court that he wanted to try out his BMW X1.

According to NU.nl, before the fatal accident, the driver was also driving on the wrong side of the road and almost caused a head-on collision.

Irreparable suffering

The man is then reported to have driven into the driver’s side of the pregnant woman’s car as she was turning left. He was on the wrong side of the road and didn’t hit the breaks. Both she and her unborn child lost their lives.

According to the verdict by the Rechtspraak, “during the hearing, it was expressed in a poignant manner how the unexpected loss of the victim and her unborn child caused much grief, anger, and a sense of loss.”

Cannot be determined whether he was under the influence

According to the Rechtspraak, before the crash, the victim had purchased anti-dust spray, which can be inhaled for an intoxicating effect.

The man reportedly threw away the can after the accident, and his blood sample from the hospital was destroyed.

He denies that he was using the spray, and without any blood samples, the court cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he used it.

The Rechtspraak writes that “The court finds a prison sentence appropriate and punishes in accordance with the requirement of the public prosecutor.” Alongside the eight month prison sentence, he is banned from driving for five years.

Do you think the sentence is appropriate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Feature image:DepositPhotos.com

Accuracy, clarity, and a touch of humour — that’s DutchReview. Read our editorial mission.

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over five years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

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