Michael Brooks Stuart, age 29, of Greenwood, was sentenced to 6 years and a $5,100 fine followed by 5 years of probation for causing great bodily injury to the victim, Steven Delaney, while driving under the influence of alcohol. Delaney is a First Responder with the Sandy Branch Fire Department.  Stuart pled guilty to Felony DUI with Great Bodily Injury and Circuit Court Judge Eugene C. Griffith, Jr., sentenced Stuart earlier today prior to trial.

Under South Carolina law, this conviction carries a minimum of 30 days up to 15 years in prison and a fine of $5,000 up to $10,000. In this case, there were no plea offers and Judge Griffith sentenced Stuart after hearing all of the evidence and circumstances of the case.

Solicitor Rick Hubbard commented that “drunk driving is taken extremely seriously in the Eleventh Circuit. Our hope is that this sentence serves as a reminder to others of the dangers of drinking and driving.” Assistant Solicitors Todd Wagoner and Doug Fender handled the prosecution of this case for the Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

On February 4, 2017, shortly after 2 p.m. on Highway 7 near Willington Academy Road in McCormick County, Stuart was traveling north on Highway 7 at a high rate of speed when he drove left of center into the south bond lane striking Delaney head on. As a result of the impact, Delaney’s vehicle was knocked backward approximately 70 feet as evidenced by the reverse skid marks on the road.

Delaney was able to get himself out of his vehicle with the help of a few concerned citizens. He managed to slide away on the ground from the vehicle just prior to it bursting into flames. As a result of this crash, Delaney had a broken ankle that required numerous surgeries, a pulmonary embolism that was potentially life threatening, and other injuries.

Emergency personnel, law enforcement, and witnesses at the scene reported a strong smell of alcohol coming from Stuart. Stuart was transported to the hospital after the incident. While at the hospital, Stuart’s blood was drawn and his blood alcohol content was a .29, which is over the legal limit of .08. South Carolina Highway Patrol Troop 2 investigated this case and determined that Stuart was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

Assistant Solicitor Wagoner remarked that “Stuart’s actions robbed Delaney of one of the great joys in his life, that of being a fully participating first responder. The amount of community support shown for Delaney today in court was incredible and emphasizes how much of a tragedy this truly was. Delaney’s quick actions and the aid rendered by citizen bystanders likely saved his life.”