Woman Who Crashed Golf Cart While Drunk Sentenced

MURRIETA, Calif. -- A woman who was drunk when the golf cart she was driving with six children aboard tipped over, injuring five of the children, was sentenced Friday to six months in jail -- to be served on weekend work release -- and three years probation.

Judith Ann Black, 38, of Canyon Lake, pleaded guilty in February to DUI with great bodily injury.
She was driving six children and another adult home from "Siesta Day," a community party in the gated community of Canyon Lake last May 26, when the cart crashed.

Following the crash, her blood alcohol level was more than .15, nearly twice the legal limit.
Riverside County Superior Court Judge John Monterosso sentenced her to six months behind bars, then ruled she could serve her time by working in the community on weekends.

Deputy District Attorney Arthur Chang had asked for jail time, saying "she's still trying to mitigate the circumstances; she's still trying to minimize her conduct."
Black blamed steering and suspension problems, but "she was driving that golf cart like a bat out of hell," he said.
Two of Black's friends spoke in support of her staying out of jail.

Christy Helton, who was on the cart with her two children when it crashed, said trash on the lawns of the gated community caused the accident.
"I wouldn't have put my kids in that position if I thought that anything was going to happen," said Helton. "It was an accident. It wasn't a malicious act."
Another friend, Carolla Sherlock, whose daughter was on the cart, also asked the judge for mercy.
"I do know that we were in a hurry to get home," she said.
Black's 7-year-old son suffered the most serious injuries but has since recovered.
Four other children, including Black's 6-year-old, were treated for minor injuries.
Monterosso told Black that what she did was "remarkably stupid" and "completely preventable."
The judge then commended her for following through on a rehabilitation program.
"I think you have shown remorse," Monterosso said.