Łukasz Żak Sentenced to 20 Years; Defense Announces Appeal

Following a fatal high-speed crash on Warsaw’s Łazienkowski Route, the district court has sentenced Łukasz Żak to 20 years in prison, with his legal counsel immediately signaling plans for an appeal.

The Defense Contests the Verdict

Attorney Ławińska announced plans to appeal the sentencing, characterizing the penalty as extremely harsh. She argued that her client had been singled out by the media and public opinion rather than being judged solely on the evidence, while noting that Żak had accepted the sentence with humility.

The defense maintained that the court proceedings were influenced by public outrage, asserting that the principle of the presumption of innocence was neglected. She emphasized that a fair punishment must remain proportional, regardless of the defendant’s status as a public target.

Sentencing Details and Legal Precedents

The Warsaw-Śródmieście District Court sentenced Łukasz Żak to 20 years of imprisonment, alongside a lifetime driving ban and a fine. This ruling marks the first such penalty imposed under recently tightened road traffic regulations.

In addition to the primary defendant, the court sentenced four of Żak’s associates for their roles in the incident. Kacper K., Aleksander G., Damian J., and Maciej O. received prison terms ranging from two to five years and were ordered to pay compensation to the victims’ families.

The Łazienkowski Route Accident

The fatal collision occurred on September 15, 2024, when a Volkswagen driven by a heavily intoxicated Żak struck a Ford, resulting in the death of a 37-year-old passenger and injuring three others. Investigators found that Żak was traveling at 226 km/h while recording his driving on a mobile phone.

Following the crash, associates helped Żak flee the country. He was eventually apprehended in Lübeck, Germany, on the basis of a European Arrest Warrant before being returned to Poland for trial.