Court hands down 12-year sentence to killer of judge's son

Tal Mor, who killed cyclist Shneor Cheshin in hit-and-run last June to begin serving prison term immediately. Mor also ordered to pay victim's family NIS 30,000 in compensations

Naama Cohen-Friedman|Published: 10.23.11 , 10:01

The trial of one of Israel's most shocking hit-and-run incidents concluded on Sunday morning, one year and four months after a vehicle fatally hit cyclist Shneor Cheshin, 40, and fled the scene.

The Petah Tikva District Court sentenced Tal Mor, who was convicted of killing Cheshin, to 12 years in prison. Mor was also ordered to give Cheshin's family NIS 30,000 in compensations. Mor will begin serving his sentence immediately.

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Last month, Mor was convicted of killing Chesin, the son of Supreme Court Justice Mishael Cheshin, who was cycling on the side of the road near Kassem Junction. The court also convicted Mor of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and of abandoning the scene of an accident.

טל מור בבית המשפט (צילום: מוטי קמחי)

Mor in court with family (Photo: Moti Kimhi)

Throughout the proceedings, Mor insisted that he was not aware of hitting Cheshin, saying that he did not remember the incident.

After the conviction, Mor pleaded for the judges' mercy, while the prosecution asked the court to hand down a harsh punishment.

חשין עם אשתו וילדיו. "נותרנו שבורים"

'We are left shattered.' Cheshin with wife and kids

The defendant's lawyers claimed another vehicle might have been involved in the accident, saying they would appeal the conviction.

In the verdict, Judge Zacharia Caspi addressed Mor's drinking and drug use habbits. "Its hard to see in him a normative man. His behavior following his abandonment of the scene is also not normative."

Addressing claims made by the defense, by which the trial received broad media coverage due to the victim's identity, the judge noted: "The media or foreign new reports had nothing to do with my decision. The court must give a clear and incisive message to those who drink and use drugs."

Cheshin left behind a wife and three children. Danit, his widow, testified during the trial, and tearfully said: "From a happy couple with hopes and dreams, I have become a widow and a mother of three orphans. The incident left us completely shattered and hurt.