The trial against world figure skating champion Maxim Staviiski began again on Monday at the Burgas Appellate Court with the magistrates announcing that they were going to issue a verdict in a month.

The case was returned to Burgas on October 27 by the Supreme Court.

In January 2008, Staviiski received a suspended sentence of two and half years for the August 5, 2007 fatal car crash he caused while driving under the influence.

The crash took the life of 24-years old Petar Petrov while 18-years old Manuela Gorsova suffered serious injuries and fell into a coma.

The Burgas District Court further imposed a five-year probation and suspended Maxim's driving license for three years.

Staviiski was also sentenced to pay BGN 90,000 to Petar's parents and BGN 80,000 to Manuela's family.

The prosecutors in the case and the families of Petar and Manuela insist that Staviiski spends real time behind bars and on a higher compensation.

"I have said numerous times and I am saying it again - I am really, really sorry for what happened," Staviiski stated before the Burgas magistrates on Monday, adding that he wanted to be able to work so that he could pay the compensation and contribute to the society.

"I do not have anyone to blame, but myself," Staviiski said.

Maxim's girlfriend Albena Denkova and her father were yet once again at Staviiski's side during the Burgas Court proceedings.

A payment order showing that Maxim has paid BGN 210,000 was presented before the Court while Staviiski further told the magistrates that he and Albena have donated an additional BGN 20,000 for Manuela Gorsova's treatment in Israel.

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