A judge in Warren County hopes the ninth time’s the charm: He’s sentenced a man to one to five years in state prison for his ninth charge of driving under the influence, Erie News Now reported.
Fletcher Kay, 64, of Warren was stopped by Conewango police July 20 with a blood-alcohol content of .242, three times the legal limit, according to the news outlet. Court records show he was charged with multiple counts of driving under the influence and traffic violations.
Warren County Judge Gregory Hammond said Kay’s eight previous sentences had been handed at the county level. Hammond said he thinks the county system has done all it can and it’s time for the state prison system to try its hand.
Warren residents told Erie News Now that Kay has had enough chances.
“Maybe this sentence will help him get straight,” said Tom Seth, of Warren. “He’s got a problem.”
Another said one to five years isn’t enough.
“He’s lucky in the nine times he’s gotten a DUI that he has not hurt or killed someone,” said Cristina Kinney, of Bradford.
Kay must also pay a $2,750 fine, according to court records.
