Premier League star Kaoru Mitoma, 29, dodges prison sentence after car crash that put woman in hospital

PREMIER LEAGUE star Kaoru Mitoma has dodged a prison sentence and fine in Japan – despite the Brighton winger putting a woman in hospital after a car accident. Tokyo police questioned Mitoma following a collision in the capital city on July 8. A female cyclist was rushed to hospital after the footballer reportedly ran a red light and knocked her off her bike at a junction. Kaoru Mitoma has dodged a prison sentence in Japan Credit: Getty Mitoma, 29, missed the World Cup due to injury Credit: Getty The woman, 48, was treated for hand injuries and signed off work for two weeks. Tokyo public prosecutors studied the case, and considered charging Mitoma with causing injury through dangerous driving. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! But they announced on Friday morning that the 31-cap Japan international will escape prosecution because both parties ignored traffic signals. They said they had reached their verdict “considering that both parties were running a red light, and the content of other related evidence.” Japanese media quoted updated traffic rules and described the junction’s complex layout as reasons for the prosecutors’ decision. Mitoma has been recovering from a hamstring injury suffered at the end of last season, which caused him to miss Japan’s World Cup campaign. Brighton signed him from home-country club Kawasaki Frontale in 2021. The winger has since made 135 Seagulls appearances, scoring 27 goals. His advisors declared after the incident: “We sincerely apologise for the great inconvenience and concern caused to the injured party, and all involved due to the accident. Most read in Football “Mitoma himself takes this accident very seriously, and is responding with condolences and apologies to those affected. “The victims have been treated by medical institutions and diagnosed with bruises, but Mitoma himself is not injured. “We take this matter seriously, fully cooperate with the investigation by related agencies, and strive to thoroughly promote safe driving awareness and strengthen compliance education to prevent recurrence. “Once again, we deeply apologise to those affected, their families, and all involved.” Comment now