WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Change of Plea in Bicycle Hit & Run
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Burlington, Vermont - April 17, 2009
A Vergennes man charged with leaving the scene after he hit and critically injured a bicyclist has changed his plea.
Adam Desjardin, 22, of Vergennes, entered guilty pleas to negligent driving, leaving the scene of an accident and two unrelated narcotics charges, possession of Oxycodone.
Friends came to court to show support for the victim, Rose Long, 20, who's from Sutton. She's a member of the UVM cycle club. The hit-and-run happened at the corner of Pearl and North Union streets in Burlington last September. Police said Desjardin turned in front of Long, who was thrown over his Jeep and landed on her face. She has since had reconstructive surgery.
Outside the courtroom she told WCAX, "When Adam hit me I had none of the protection that he had, OK? And my face -- my doctor said my face was my airbag, OK? It's not -- it's not the same. A bike is not the same as a vehicle."
Judge Patricia Zimmerman ordered a pre-sentence investigation, which means Desjardin will not be sentenced for another couple of months. He faces three-to-eight years to serve in prison.
Andy Potter - WCAX News
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