In a trial about the tragic death of a young woman who was killed by a falling flagpole, the Kiel district court sentenced a truck driver to a fine of 5,400 euros on Wednesday.
The 62-year-old hit the mast with his vehicle in August 2020 while reversing.
He fell over and fell on the 23-year-old.
The victim belonged to a group of trainees from the Kiel city administration, who had gathered for a group photo in front of the city hall.
The accident caused great consternation.
According to a spokeswoman, the court also dropped the case against the accused passenger, who had instructed the truck in maneuvering, due to minor guilt.
The 75-year-old has to pay a fine of 1,200 euros to a hospice in Kiel.
This corresponded to the wishes of the mother of the dead.
Both men had confessed at the beginning of the process, clearly shocked, and showed deep remorse.
According to the spokeswoman, this also played a major role in the court's decision.
The driver of the accident truck was also accused of a serious violation of his duty of care.
However, he did not act intentionally or recklessly.
According to the court's findings, the accident happened in the area of a narrow construction site at Kiel City Hall.
First, the co-driver instructed the driver, but on the final stretch he turned to a trailer that he was supposed to hitch to the truck.
At that moment, the vehicle, which was still reversing, hit the mast.