Raleigh, N.C. — The husband of a bicyclist killed on the road made an emotional plea for leniency for the former North Carolina State University student accused of hitting his wife with a truck while driving drunk.
Brian Anthony Reid, 21, was charged with felony death by motor vehicle and driving while impaired in the April 23 death of Nancy Leidy. Reid pleaded guilty to both felony charges as part of a plea agreement Thursday.
Leidy, 60, died after Reid's truck hit her while she was riding on Nazareth Street near the N.C. State campus.
During Reid's sentencing hearing, Leidy’s husband, Ross Leidy, described his wife as a giving, caring and an outgoing woman.
“I want people to know what this woman was all about and talk from his heart, which I think he (Reid) would do,†Ross Leidy said in court Thursday.
Ross Leidy said part of him wanted Reid to go to jail, but thought the student could do more good talking to fellow students and working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to help others learn from his mistake.
“I think this kid would do a lot more good talking and telling about what’s happened to his life and what’s happened to my life as opposed to sitting in jail,†Ross Leidy said.
“Like Mr. Leidy said, I think, I can have a greater impact on the outside talking with people and sharing my experience,†Reid told the judge.
During a break in the court proceedings, Leidy also extended a hand of friendship to the Reid family.
Judge Don Stephens sentenced Reid to 36 months' probation and 400 hours of community service, which includes 100 appearances at high schools in Wake or Alamance counties to talk about the dangers of drunk driving.
But its too late in his case. Chapter closed