Retribution Fitting For Senseless Harm

Connie Bickley saved prosecutors trouble Monday by admitting the obvious: She killed Nicholas Scherling, 13, of Post Falls while driving drunk Nov. 10. Now comes the tricky part of Bickley’s case: the sentencing phase.

Despite a plea-bargain agreement, Kootenai County prosecutors say they will seek a tough penalty. She could face up to 10 years in prison. On the other hand, Scherling’s father, Mark, is urging clemency. Instead of a lengthy prison sentence, he wants his son’s killer to be treated for alcoholism and required to tell new drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

“We need to get at the source (of the problem) and you won’t find that in prison,” he said.

Maybe not. But a long stint in prison does offer a few things that a wrist-slap doesn’t. First, it is a penalty that partially befits the crime. Bickley stole a long, full life away from Nick Scherling when she decided to drive drunk. She should forfeit a good part of her remaining productive life. Secondly, a stiff penalty could serve as a deterrent to others. Unfortunately, the soft sentences handed down in too many cases of felony drunken driving prove the courts don’t take them seriously.

The sentence will be imposed by 1st District Judge Craig Kosonen, who had his own brush with drunken driving last fall. His duty is to render justice on behalf of society - not just victims and their families. Kosonen, who perhaps understands the damage drunken driving can do, has a chance to make a ruling that will deter others - or not. It’ll be interesting to see what sentence he imposes on July 31.