Chrisander Johansen (6) was out cycling close to his home when a reversing car drove over him in August last year. The 6-year-old from Finnsnes in Troms died instantly from his injuries. Monday was the first day of the trial in Nord-Troms and Senja district court. In court, the defendant pleaded not guilty. The man in his 40s clearly acknowledged the actual conditions. He is charged with having breached section 281 of the Criminal Code, for negligently causing the death of another. The man from Troms is also charged with breaching the duty to yield. Defense attorney Mads Wallerheim expressed in court that his client has been dreading the trial. He said the defendant fears appearing unsympathetic and unsympathetic to the family when he pleads not guilty. Defendant’s defender, Mads Wallerheim. Photo: Kari Anne Skoglund / news The defendant said in court that he wished he could plead not guilty, but with reservations. – I feel a very big moral responsibility, but for me there is complicated law involved. I am very sorry if it adds a stone to the burden of those left behind. I fully understand their loss, said the defendant. Defendant: Said he was paying attention Chrisander was cycling close to the family’s home when the accident happened. The defendant backed out of a driveway in the area. Both the defendant and other witnesses explained that it was normal for him to drive with the front out of the driveway. On the day of the accident a year ago, however, he backed out. In a police interview, the defendant referred to the way he drove into the driveway as “parking like an idiot”. That was the reason for the backlash. In court, he maintained that statement. At the same time, he stated that he had not been inattentive during the reversing. He also pointed out that there were tall bushes at the site when the incident occurred. – This was not baja driving. It wasn’t high speed, loud music or anything like that. This is a terrible tragedy, said the defendant. Friends of Chrisander left flowers and drawings for their friend at the place where the accident happened, which in the following days became a place of remembrance. Photo: Marita Andersen / news One of the reasons why the defendant does not plead guilty after the indictment is the question of how the incident happened. The defendant explained that he followed the reversing camera and that the car was equipped with good sensors. He had his foot on the brake, in what he referred to as brake readiness. The defendant explained that he did not see the child who came on a bicycle, and according to him the car’s sensors did not give a result. He said the sensors make an extra loud sound when it approaches moving targets. The defendant explained that what he believes may have happened is that the 6-year-old threw himself off the bike, or was thrown off the bike while braking, to get away from the car. Then the boy ended up under the car. – Since I didn’t know he was there, I had no chance of avoiding this. – It may sound like I, as a grown man, blame a 6-year-old boy who is not here. That’s really not the point, said the defendant clearly affected. Chrisander Johansen died from the injuries he sustained after a collision at Finnsnes in August last year. Three days have been set aside for the trial in Nord-Troms and Senja District Court. The picture is from the scene and was taken a few days after the accident. Photo: Marita Andersen / news Father hugs the defendant Before the court was set, Chrisander’s father approached the defendant. His father gave him a long and warm hug. In the witness box, the father said that it was tough that the defendant denied guilt. – I wish the accused and the defense could put all their cards on the table, so that we could finish. Not being responsible for having made a mistake, I don’t understand that, said the father. At the same time, he emphasized that they bear no grudge against the accused. – No. I don’t hold a grudge. I’m just sorry. Anyone can be unlucky. But not being responsible for having made a mistake, I don’t understand that. Chrisander has not ended up under the car by himself. Public prosecutor Cato Simonsen told news that the family was prepared that the defendant would not plead guilty after the indictment. The father described his 6-year-old son as a careful cyclist. He had learned to ride a bicycle the year before. Chrisander got a new bike in the spring of 2023. He was out cycling with friends every day this summer. At the start of school, one desk was empty. Where Chrisander was supposed to sit, there was a picture instead and a candle was lit for him. ARCHIVE PHOTO Photo: Marita Andersen / news – Can’t get Chrisander back The father himself didn’t witness the accident, but he got there quickly. He explained in court that he quickly saw that his son was dead. He sat and held his 6-year-old by the hand for as long as the emergency services at the scene allowed. The family’s assistance lawyer says the family has had a tough time after Chrisander died in the accident. – For the deceased’s family, they have had to get used to Chrisander’s chair being empty. He does not get them back, and father says that he has been to the cemetery every day to visit Chrisander. There is a wound here that will probably never heal completely, he told news. Assistance lawyer Cato Simonsen demands compensation for Chrisander’s survivors. Photo: Kari Anne Skoglund / news When the father of the 6-year-old testified, he said that he also gave one or more hugs to the defendant at the scene. – I have lost anyway. I’m not getting Chrisander back. The defendant confirmed that he received a hug from Chrisander’s father at the scene. – Father gave me a good, strong hug. I appreciate it. I was distraught, said the defendant. He describes that the time after the accident has been a nightmare. Children testified Several people who were outside near the scene of the accident testified on Monday. None of them saw the collision itself. They saw parts of the back, and heard a thump. Among the witnesses, there was disagreement about the speed the defendant maintained during the reverse. A witness believed the defendant backed away at a leisurely pace. Another thought, on the other hand, that it happened unreasonably fast. A witness believed that he perceived that Chrisander’s bicycle was in front of the car before it fell. Prosecutor Torstein Lindquister. Photo: Kari Anne Skoglund / news Prosecutor Torstein Lindquister said in court that many may think there are only losers in this case. At the same time, he explained why the case is going to court. Namely that the demand for care is great when reversing a vehicle. – You have a great responsibility to ensure that there are no obstacles in the way. That is why it is important for society that we follow up cases like this, said Lindquister to news. Two more days have been set aside for the trial in Nord-Troms and Senja District Court. Published 26/08/2024, at 17.53 Updated 26.08.2024, at 18.46
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The accused denies criminal guilt – news Troms and Finnmark
