The first defendant in the hazing death of FAMU marching band member Robert Champion case was sentenced two years of probation and 200 hours of community service Monday.
Brian Jones, one among the 12 former members of the band charged in Champion's tragic death evaded a jail time as the Orange County Judge Marc Lubet said that Jones' role in the hazing incident was very 'minimal.'
"This young man's part in this horrible act ... as compared with many others from what I've seen is minimal," he said adding that a felony record would destroy 23-year-old Jones' life. The Judge quoted Abraham Lincoln during sentencing, saying, 'mercy bears richer fruit than strict justice,' reports Orlando Sentinel.
Jones had initially pleaded not guilty to a third-degree felony charge which he later withdrew and entered no-contest plea.
Apart from the probation, Jones will be under strict community control which warrants him to wear a monitoring anklet at all times.
Robert Champion, was a member of the Marching 100, the nationally acclaimed band of FAMU which was named the 'Best Marching Band in the Nation' by Sports Illustrated in August 1992. The band has also performed in Grammys, presidential inaugurations and Super Bowls. Champion was severely beaten up by his fellow band members aboard a bus as a part of the ritual called 'crossing Bus C,' following which he fell unconscious and succumbed to injuries Nov.19 last year.
Not everyone was happy with the Monday's sentencing of Jones. Parents of Champion did not agree that Jones' role had been minor in the death of their child.
Pam Champion, mother of the victim, looked at Jones directly and said "You and I know that's not true...You played a critical role."
"You won't be able to put it out if your mind...It will haunt you," she said.
During the trail, Jones apologised to the Champion family.
Due to his lighter sentence, Jones is expected to testify against his 11 other fellow band mates. The dates for their trials are set in 2013.
