Sara Juncaj
DISGRACE: Former cop Kevin Spellman yesterday in court, where he was sentenced for manslaughter. (
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A decorated ex-cop convicted of killing a beloved granny in a drunken-driving crash was sentenced yesterday to three to nine years in prison in a ruling that angered the victim’s family.
Detective Kevin Spellman had faced up to 15 years behind bars for second-degree manslaughter after running down Drane Nikac, 70, after a night of drinking with buddies.
But Bronx Judge Steven Barrett cut Spellman, 45, a break after hearing the now-retired cop’s tearful courtroom apology.
“The sentence was much too light.” fumed Nikac’s son-in-law, John Dushaj. “If you’re a citizen, you get five to 15 years. If you are a police officer, you get a discount.”
The packed courtroom hushed as Spellman expressed remorse for the early-morning Oct. 30, 2009, crash, in which he was driving a city-owned car.
“I would like to express my deep and profound apology to the family. In this moment, you are the only people that matter,” he said in a choking voice.
”My actions alone — combined with the fact that I don’t have any ability to make it right — makes this anguish a thousand times worse.”
The emotional statement didn’t move two dozen members of Nikac’s family, who are convinced Spellman got special treatment from fellow cops after he mowed her down while was trying to cross Kingsbridge Avenue in Riverdale.
“It is one thing to lose a loved one to an illness, but knowing she died at the hands of someone who is supposed to protect and serve the community has been an absolute nightmare,” said Nikac’s granddaughter, Sara Juncaj, 28.
“I hope today will be a lesson for those who have ever gotten drunk and then made the choice to get behind the wheel.”
Sara Juncaj also blasted the 40 law-enforcement officers who sat in the courtroom behind Spellman, calling them “enablers” and saying some of them were probably drinking with him before the accident.
“Bottles and bad badges should not mix,” she said.
Bronx Assistant DA James Goward asked for the maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years.
Spellman, a 21-year NYPD veteran, retired from the force a year ago — nearly 2 1/2 years after the crash. He can keep his $49,000-a-year pension despite the conviction.