Couple cleared of failing to stop drink-drive ‘killer’

A FRENCH couple taken to court for failing to stop a drunken friend driving his car - killing himself and four others - were freed by a judge yesterday.

The verdict followed a plea from the trial’s public prosecutor, as well as the defence, not to punish Jean- Sebastian and Angelique Fraisse for the actions of another person.

If the couple had been found guilty, the landmark case would have triggered new responsibilities on French individuals, in addition to French law, which makes bar owners potentially liable if their customers drive away drunk.