Seoul: Prosecutors on Wednesday sought a 7 1/2-year prison term for a man who killed nine people after ramming his car into pedestrians near Seoul City Hall.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the 69-year-old driver, surnamed Cha, drove his car out of a hotel parking lot in July last year. He then entered a nearby one-way road in the reverse direction before crashing through a sidewalk guardrail and hitting pedestrians.

Prosecutors made their request for the sentence during a hearing at the Seoul Central District Court. They stated that the driver continues to deny any wrongdoing and has shown a “bad attitude.”

Cha has argued that the vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control. However, prosecutors accuse him of improperly handling the gas pedal.

The sentencing hearing for Cha is scheduled for February 12.