Michael Rose, the man who pleaded guilty to running his vehicle over two women outside a ShortNorth restaurant after skipping out on his bill, was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in prison,10TV's Lindsey Seavert reported.
Rose pleaded guilty in October to seven charges, including aggravated vehicular assault andaggravated robbery, in connection with the May 2008 crash near the Haiku restaurant.
According to prosecutors, Rose left restaurant, located at 800 N. High St., without paying his$100 bill. Two employees who followed Rose out of the restaurant were struck by his sportutility vehicle as he fled a nearby parking lot.
SLIDESHOW: Images From Case
Two other people were also struck as Rose drove away, police said.
Rose turned himself into authorities the next day.
The crash left bartender Rachel Widomski paralyzed. The other woman, Haiku co-owner Julie Liu,suffered broken bones and fractures.
While speaking to the courtroom Tuesday, Rose cried as he apologized and blamed his actions onalcoholism.
Widomski also appeared in court and said she was the one who had received a life sentence.
"I will never be able to paint a large painting, feel the chill of morning ocean waves, or havethe joy of raising a child," Widomski said. "Each day will be filled with endless obstacles anddisappointments."
A judge denied the prosecution's request for a maximum sentence of 32 years, saying therestaurant should not have continued serving Rose alcohol the night of the crash, Seavertreported.
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Previous Stories:
October 20, 2009: Man Enters PleaIn Restaurant Hit-Skip
May 23, 2008: WomenStill Recovering After Short North Hit-Skip
May 19, 2008: BondSet For Driver Accused In Short North Hit-Skip
May 17, 2008: Dine-And-Dash Suspect Turns Self In
May 16, 2008: Police Impound Vehicle After Short North Hit-Skip
