CLEARWATER - Two portraits of Nick Bollea emerged Friday before a judge decided what punishment the teenager should get for a car wreck that left his passenger with brain damage.
In one, Bollea was an immature speed freak who never owned up to his actions and skateboarded through the halls of Bayfront Medical Center while John Graziano fought for his life in intensive care.
In the other, Bollea was a sensitive 17-year-old who didn't drive after the wreck, even though he could have, and who decided on his own to work with a charity devoted to brain trauma research.
After a hearing of more than two hours - in which members of the Bollea and Graziano families spoke of Nick's behavior - Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge Philip Federico sentenced him to eight months in Pinellas County Jail.
Federico also sentenced him to five years of probation and 500 hours of community service. As a condition, the judge said Bollea can't buy his way out of the time with cash.
Bollea also can't drink alcohol for five years. Bollea was found to have alcohol in his system after the Aug. 26 wreck that left Graziano, now 23, with a severe brain injury, said Assistant State Attorney Scott Rosenwasser.
Federico also ordered that Bollea's driver's license be revoked for three years and that he attend DUI and driving classes.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/10/na-apologies-accusations-aside-jail-lies-ahead-for/?news-metro&imw=YI wish I had more news for the Lounge, but this is ALL that's being talked about here.
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