A Sudanese refugee, laden with an alcohol problem and two previous drunk-driving convictions, 
received a sentence of 6 to 15 years in prison for causing an accident in Grand Rapids, Michigan that killed 6-year-old Andy Nguyen.
The Bolsavik previously reported on this case here and here.
The sentencing of Mayen Biar Diing (pictured right) did not go smoothly, report the Grand Rapids Press here and WOOD-TV here. When Diing first appeared for sentencing yesterday, the Probation Department only calculated the sentencing guidelines for the lesser charge operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, earning him merely 20 months in prison. After pronouncing the sentence, the judge thought it was too lenient, found the error, and ordered new sentencing hearing for today, resulting in the 6-to-15 sentence.
Diing was one of the “Lost Boys of Sudan,” surviving the atrocities of civil war by walking the countryside to reach a refugee camp. He’s separated from his family, and apparently the traumatic experience drove him to alcoholism.
The family of Andy Nguyen (pictured left) appeared at yesterday’s sentencing, asking the judge to send Diing to prison to think about what he did.
Reports WZZM-TV here:
At Diing’s sentencing,the family pleaded with the judge to send him to prison. They said even though they are all refugees who came to America for a better life, they wanted Diing to have time to think about what he did. Vietnamese Translator Angie Pham looked at Mayen Diing and said on behalf of the family, “There are so many opportunities here for you to better yourself, but you did not want to do that. It is your stupidity that put you in prison. I hope you will find a way to make up for your kids and deal with your problems without alcohol.”
Sad story………innocent young life perished for nothing!
We need to make sure no drunk drivers are on the street at any given time.