Judge Says Woman Who Killed Cyclist Can’t Use Cell Phone for 2 Years

Epoch Newsroom
2/23/2016
Updated:
2/24/2016

A woman who struck and killed a cyclist while driving last year was handed down a unique sentence by a judge.

Judge Stewart McDonald of the Michigan’s Clinton County District Court said he will take away Mitzi Nelson’s right to use a cellular phone for two years, as she was using one when she hit 35-year-old Jill Byeich, who was on a bike, FOX-21 reported. “Police said Nelson was distracted by her cell phone, which contributed to the crash,” it said.

“I don’t think she has a right to have a cellphone. I think it’s a privilege,” McDonald said, USA Today reported.

McDonald said he believes that Nelson is remorseful over the accident.

And you might think: Doesn’t the sentence seem a little light for a fatal car accident?

Actually, the idea of the punishment came from Byeich’s husband, the report said.

“I thought the judge thought it through very well and looked at all the factors on both sides,” he said.

Nelson was also sentenced to six months in jail, two years of probation, 150 hours of community service, and 20 classes on driving.