LIMA – A Lima man was sentenced Monday to seven years in prison for 2017 a drunk-driving accident that claimed the life of a young Lima woman who was a passenger in his car.
Patrick Hull, 24, was sentenced by Allen County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Reed for driving his 2002 Dodge Neon with a blood alcohol level of .16 percent and causing the death of Holly C. Mooney, 23, of Lima.
Hull was indicted by a local grand jury in November on one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a first-degree felony, and three counts of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded no contest in February to an amended charge of aggravated vehicular homicide, a second-degree felony. In exchange for that plea, prosecutors agreed to drop a specification stating that Hull was operating the vehicle while his driver’s license was under suspension. Additionally, three misdemeanor counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol were dismissed by the state.
The charges against Hull stemmed from an Aug. 5 traffic accident that claimed the life of Mooney, who was a passenger in the man’s vehicle. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, on the night in question Hull was behind the wheel on Bluelick Road when he reportedly attempted to pass another vehicle on the right and lost control of his vehicle, causing it to cross the center line and strike a utility pole before overturning and coming to rest in a field.
Hull was treated for minor injuries at the scene. Mooney was taken to Lima Memorial Hospital and was then careflighted to Promedica Hospital in Toledo, where she died three days later.
Prior to being sentenced, Hull described Mooney as his best friend. Turning to her parents and family members gathered in the courtroom, Hull said, “‘Sorry’ doesn’t even begin to explain how bad I feel about this. I loved Holly a lot, and I take full responsibility for my actions.”
Mooney’s parents also addressed the court. Her father said it was the second most difficult thing he’s ever had to do.
“The first was watching my daughter take her last breath,” he said.
While Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Randall Basinger asked Reed to impose the maximum sentence of eight years in prison, Mooney’s father was less specific. “Nothing can bring Holly back,” he said. “I just ask the court to impose a sentence that is appropriate.”
Reed said Hull will be eligible to request judicial release after serving five years in prison.
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