A Middletown-area legislator pleaded guilty to reduced charges in a DUI-related traffic accident that injured one person.
It marked the second such case for Rep. Kevin Hensley linked to drinking and driving. The other instance occurred more than 10 years ago. A shorter time frame would have led to additional penalties.
Hensley, a real estate broker, is a Republican who has represented the Odessa-Port Penn area of southern New Castle County since 2014.
A Kent County judge gave the lawmaker, 59, a sentence of 18 months but suspended time behind bars for one year of probation. Hensley also lost his driver's license for a year and received a $500 fine.
In return, prosecutors lowered the vehicular assault charge from second-degree to third-degree.
Hensley stated that he was "deeply disappointed in the poor judgment I exercised" on the night of the DUI crash. "It served as a wake-up call to me and, as a result, I have chosen to make significant changes in my personal life, including entering a recovery program."
Mat Marshall, spokesman for Attorney General Kathy Jennings, said the ruling was fair.
He said the victim, 71, only suffered a nosebleed and minor chest pain from the crash, but could not testify against Hensley because he died a few weeks later. The Medical Examiner attributed his death to a stroke and brain tumor.
Marshall said losing his license would impact Hensley, given his occupation and work in the Legislature and would hopefully reduce chances of another alcohol-related arrest.
On Wednesday morning, Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following:
"Drunk driving is dangerous and unacceptably common. No one has an excuse to get behind the wheel while under the influence; ever. It is a miracle no one was seriously injured or worse. I thank our prosecutors and the Delaware State Police for their excellent work in this case.”
The case went unreported for a long period, due to second-degree driving under the influence being a misdemeanor, according to State Police.
Hensley’s sentence is consistent with both the statutory sentencing range for the charges against him and with recent sentences against similarly charged defendants, a release from the AG's office stated.
Hensley has been active in the current legislative session.
Click here for the full story from WHYY. This story is supported by a statehouse coverage grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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