Judge Delays Polo Mogul John Goodman Sentencing
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PALM BEACH (CBSMiami) - The judge has delayed sentencing of Wellington polo mogul John Goodman for a deadly DUI car accident to Friday.
Last October, a jury found Goodman guilty of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide, both with failure to render aid, in the death of 23-year old Scott Patrick Wilson. This was the second jury to find him guilty.
Goodman was granted a re-trial after his lawyers complained to the judge about possible jury bias during his first trial.
He denies he was driving drunk and said the Brakes on his Bentley failed.
Wilson's mother, Lili Wilson, told the judge her son's death has devastated their family.
"His death at such a young age has caused us to suffer. He will never fall in love or raise a family of his own. I ask myself will there ever be peace again" said Lili.
During Goodman's hearing on Wednesday, the defense brought up a number of issues that gave the judge pause. First, they claimed that he couldn't be convicted of both DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide - it was one or the other. The judge said he would have to review case law.
Goodman's attorney then asked that the judge grant bond for his client while he appeals the latest conviction. The judge said he would consider it pending the outcome of his law review findings. If bond is granted, Goodman's attorney asked that it be set at $4 million, the prosecution pushed for a higher amount.
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Prosecutors says Goodman was drunk when his Bentley slammed into Wilson's car in February, 2010.
The force of the crash pushed the car into the canal where Wilson drowned. A blood sample taken nearly three hours after the crash showed Goodman had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.
Investigators said Goodman left the scene and waited nearly one hour before calling 911.
Goodman has asked that he be granted a "reasonable" bond while he appeals his latest conviction since he said the accident and aftermath have left him broke.
"His liabilities outweigh his assets," said Goodman's attorney Douglas Duncan.
Goodman faces at least 11 years in state prison with a maximum term of 16 years.
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