Twist ending from judge

2009 has already seen a number of snowmobile related fatalities in Maine.

This judge landed on an interesting way of getting a point across, in the wake of one alcohol-related accident from late December 2008...

Maine judge orders defendant to witness autopsy of a victim of alcohol-related crash
A sentence imposed on a snowmobiler who pleaded guilty to misdemeanors linked to a crash that severely injured a pedestrian includes a requirement that he witness an autopsy of a victim of an alcohol-related accident.

ALFRED, Maine — A sentence imposed on a snowmobiler who pleaded guilty to misdemeanors linked to a crash that severely injured a pedestrian includes a requirement that he witness an autopsy of a victim of an alcohol-related accident.

If that can't be arranged, 19-year-old Patrick Rosa of Limerick will be required to watch a video of an autopsy or a car crash investigation.

Prosecutor Justina McGettigan said the family of victim Darrin Smith made the unusual request of York County Superior Court Justice Paul Fritzsche.

Fritzche also sentenced Rosa to 120 days in jail last week. Rosa pleaded guilty to reckless conduct and criminal trespass in the Dec. 28, 2007, crash.

[Source]

According to the Lewiston Sun Journal, "Rosa was racing in an area that was off-limits to snowmobiling at Limerick Air Field on Dec. 28, 2007, when he hit 42-year-old Darrin Smith. Smith suffered two broken legs, a broken arm and other injuries and was later found in the snow by his 7-year-old daughter." [Source]

For another take on the effect the verdict will have, please read Renee Ordway's editorial piece at Maineville.com.