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LISBON -- A 44-year-old Glasgow Road, Lisbon, man was sentenced in Common Pleas Court Monday for an OVI-related traffic crash which injured two people.
Christopher L. McVay was sentenced by Judge Megan Bickerton to serve a year in prison and his license was suspended for 10 years, both of which were the recommendation of Assistant County Prosecutor Alec Beech. The 12-month prison sentence is the mandatory minimum for the charges McVay had pleaded guilty to in August -- OVI and two counts of aggravated vehicular assault.
McVay's defense attorney, Edward Hartwig, argued for a shorter license suspension and said there were extenuating factors that led to McVay getting behind the wheel, noting he was not out partying in bars. Instead Hartwig said McVay had been at a friend's home, grilling steaks and having drinks when his brother called him for help. The brother had lost his wife on that date the year before and was having problems dealing with the anniversary.
"I made a mistake," McVay told Bickerton. "I got that phone call and I couldn't think of anything other than getting to my brother."
McVay also apologized to the two people who were hurt, the court and his family.
While Bickerton said she could understand making a mistake, she questioned why McVay continues to drink. When a presentencing investigation was conducted, he had admitted to drinking just two days prior to being interviewed by the probation department. She notes often when people harm another person after drinking, taking another drink is the last thing they want to do again.
In this case, Beech said McVay ran a stop sign on Glasgow Road in Wayne Township and collided with another car, seriously harming the occupants, Richard Faloba of Lisbon and the driver, Rita Deem of Negley. The two were transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown with serious injuries. Beech also said McVay had not only alcohol but marijuana metabolite in his system at the time of the crash.
"This is obviously what happens," Beech said, "what can happen, what does happen when people drive under the influence and obviously it could have been more serious."
McVay's employer of 23 years called him a good employee with a nice heart and said he was there to support him.
McVay had a prior juvenile record and previous OVIs, although Bickerton noted they were many years ago. She told him it was time for him to stop drinking and said she was not opposed to allowing him driving privileges for work at some point.
Three OVI-related counts from the same crash were dismissed.