Fatal mistake' brings one year in jail

A judge shows leniency because of the driver's remorse after fleeing a crash.

By KEVIN GRAHAM, Times Staff Writer
Published December 1, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Maurice Ronald Batts, 26, was sentenced to one year in county jail and 10 years probation for leaving the scene of an accident that caused a death in 2003.

TAMPA - Maurice Ronald Batts had a bad day and a lapse in judgment four years ago when he sped down Hillsborough Avenue and slammed into the back of a stopped car, instantly killing the man inside.

Batts, 26, of Tampa, ditched his sport utility vehicle and ran from the scene. He left Sarabjeet Singh, 53, to burn as Singh's car exploded on impact.

Prosecutors said Batts hid in nearby Al Lopez Park. He lied about his SUV being stolen before telling detectives he fled out of fear.

On Friday - more than four years after the Oct. 28, 2003, crash- Hillsborough Circuit Judge Debra Behnke sentenced Batts to one year in the county jail and 10 years of probation.

"There's not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could take it back," Batts said, turning to the Singh family in court. "I would give my own life to bring back him because I know it's my fault."

Batts pleaded guilty in October to leaving the scene of a crash with death and no contest to a reckless driving charge. He faced a maximum of 15 years in prison, which Singh's widow and two adult children wanted.

Behnke said she chose the lesser punishment because Batts appeared remorseful, was well liked in his community and contributed to society because he worked at a dialysis facility.

"I've always believed that we all make mistakes, some worse than others," Behnke said. "It seems that it happened in one day for Mr. Batts. It was a bad day for Mr. Batts, and it was a horrible day for the Singh family."

Hamoutie Singh, Sarabjeet Singh's widow, spoke twice during the sentencing about how she's felt empty since her husband's death.

"Mr. Batts has torn my whole life apart," she said. "He has taken my husband, my companion, my future."

She no longer goes on vacations, which she and her husband did often. She can't afford them, she said. And she doesn't want to be a third wheel and go out of town with her two adult children or their families.

Earlier this month, Hamoutie Singh wrote a letter to the judge that said, at 58, she's forced to go back to school so she can get a better job to pay her bills.

She spoke of the horrific aftermath of the crash, in which Sarabjeet Singh's body was so badly burned the funeral home couldn't place clothes on him. Because she never got to see him one last time, Hamoutie Singh said she can't find peace.

Batts' fiance, however, gave an emotional plea to the judge after several of his co-workers vouched for him.

"This is a very humbling experience," Mayumi Mikuni said. "A life has been lost. A family has been broken. How do you say 'I'm sorry' for that? How do you ask them for forgiveness? You can't."

Mikuni said she could only hope for a second chance, from the judge and the Singhs.

"I'm sorry," Mikuni told the Singh family as Batts walked by them.

Prosecutors don't know for certain whether alcohol contributed to the accident. Batts admits drinking earlier but was never charged with drunken driving. Eight hours elapsed between the 3 a.m. crash and his arrest.

Defense attorney William Welter asked if Batts could serve his sentence on house arrest or some other form of confinement that would allow him to continue working to provide for his family.

Behnke said that would be up to the jail. If Batts qualifies, the judge said she won't oppose it.

After he was sentenced, bailiffs took Batts into custody. Hamoutie Singh had one request before Batts was taken away. She asked the judge to allow him to see his children first.

Behnke obliged. Bailiffs removed the handcuffs and Batts stood in the jury box with tears streaming down his face. He hugged his two small boys and kissed them goodbye.

Kevin Graham can be reached at kgraham@sptimes.com or 813 226-3433.

[Last modified December 1, 2007, 00:41:08]