Best Legal System In The World, But ... (Updated)

Back on April 5, I told you about an incident where a drunk driver killed two and injured two, devestating a young family. Well, the verdict is in.

John Patrick Barton was charged with two counts of murder for killing Kandace Hull and her daughter Autumn when he hit their car on I-35 just north of Dallas. Tony Hull, husband, and two more children were injured. Barton hit the Hull's car from behind at such a speed that it forced the Hull car's trunk into the front seat. Police testimony during the trial estimated that Barton was doing in excess of 120mph at the time of the accident. His blood alcohol level was 3 times the legal limit.

Barton had been convicted of DWI three times previously, and was out on parole for his latest violation at the time of the accident.

Barton's trial was this week. He pled guilty to the two counts. A jury sentenced him to two life sentences. He will not be eligible for parole for 30 years. Barton was apologetic, took responsibility. A shame he didn't do that before that last drive ....

The legal system worked in the aftermath of this tragedy. Barton will not be driving drunk endangering the public for at least 3 decades. The family, and the public, will receive some small comfort that he was not plea bargained and turned loose on the streets again.

If the legal system had only worked this well after his first DWI ... or his second ... or his third ...