The second time is not the charm for South Florida Polo mogul John Goodman. Goodman was sentenced today to 16 years in prison in a re-trial for a fatal accident 2010. He was charged with DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Goodman was originally convicted last month, but the sentence was thrown out after the defense successfully argued that there was juror misconduct.
Goodman’s attorneys immediately gave notice that they will appeal the judge’s sentence and asked for their client to be granted bond. The judge denied the bond ensuring that Goodman remains in jail during the appeal process. He was also ordered to pay court costs for the second trial.
In February 2010 Goodman was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol when his Bentley collided with 23-year-old Scott Patrick Wilson’s car. The impact caused Wilson’s car to plunge into a canal where he drowned. Investigators say that Goodman left the scene and waited an hour to call 911. When a blood sample was taken about three hours after the accident, it was shown that his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. However, Goodman’s defense team claimed that the brakes on his car failed.
DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide are two very serious indictments that will likely follow Goodman throughout the rest of his life. It remains to be seen if the appeal will affect the length of the sentence.
Source:
NBCmiami.com, “South Florida Polo Mogul John Goodman Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison,” 21 November 2014
Cbslocal.com, “Judge Delays Polo Mogul John Goodman Sentencing,” 19 November 2014