CLEARFIELD – A Brockport man pleaded guilty Friday to aggravated assault by vehicle in relation to an accident which caused a man to lose his foot.
Robert John Steele Sr., 42, also pleaded guilty to accidents involving death or personal injury, recklessly endangering another person, and a summary count of driving while his license was suspended. The charges stem from an accident on June 30 in Girard Township.
Prior to sentencing the victim addressed the court saying Steele’s actions “destroyed my life.”
He explained that Steele ran “head on into me” causing the accident which tore his foot off. Then Steele fled the scene leaving the victim “to bleed to death.”
“I was lucky someone else stopped and put a tourniquet on me or I would not be here.”
He mentioned the pain both physically and financially he has suffered.
“It’s painful every step I take.”
He had no debt when the accident happened and now he still owes the hospital $66,000.
When asked if he wanted to say anything, Steele apologized to the victim saying “I panicked. I’m very sorry.”
President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman questioned whether the plea agreement for a minimum sentence of 30 months in state prison was adequate.
“This is woefully insufficient.”
After confirming with the victim that he was satisfied with the plea agreement, Ammerman sentenced Steele to a total of 30 months to 10 years in state prison.
He was also ordered to pay restitution of over $77,000.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Steele was traveling south on the Shawville Frenchville highway, north of Deer Creek Road on his motorcycle when he failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the center line and struck another vehicle which was traveling north.
After crashing, Steele fled the area, instead of stopping to render aid. The victim suffered serious bodily injury and his left foot needed to be amputated.
Steele had a suspended driver’s license at the time of the accident.
During the investigation, Steele was considered a suspect and when he spoke with authorities, he admitted to causing the crash.
