24.07.2008

Crane operator plea bargains for freedom

Crane operator Joseph DiMaano, 33, has pleaded no contest to three felony counts of involuntary manslaughter in West Valley Superior Court in California.

Judge Raymond Van Stockum sentenced DiMaano to three years' probation and 500 hours of community service, time which may be spent performing safety training for workers in his union.

Mark Werksman, DiMaano's attorney said: "This was a tragic case, and we are glad it's over. We have nothing but sympathy for the families whose lives were affected by this tragic accident."

The accident occurred on December 6th, 2006, when a crew working for North Dakota based utility contractor, Pouk & Steinle was preparing to install a power pole near an intersection.

DiMaano lifted the 23 metre long pole about a metre or so off of the ground, in a parallel direction to the road. A car driven by Joel Everett Ridley, 81, was killed instantly, while his new bride, Betty Deyo-Ridley, 80, died around a month later from her injuries.

There were no barriers or traffic indicators in the area to notify drivers that the work was being performed. The crash also killed utility worker David Jenkins, 29, who was struck by the pole after it hit the car.

State regulators fined Pouk & Steinle $50,000 in June 2007 for negligence in connection to the incident. The company has also reached a civil settlement with the San Bernardino County district attorney for $800,000.

Deputy District Attorney Jim Secord, who prosecuted the case, said he thinks the result "achieves justice. DiMaano had been a good citizen before the incident and the deaths were not intentional.”
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