June 08, 2009 10:17 am
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NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — A Denton, Texas, man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for an alcohol-related collision on U.S. 177 that killed a Stratford resident three years ago.
Thirty-eight-year-old Mark Hampton pleaded guilty on Tuesday to first-degree manslaughter as part of an agreement reached with prosecutors. Hampton also faces another 12 years of probation.
The case stemmed from the March 6, 2006, death of 59-year-old Weldon Ward.
Investigators say Ward's pickup truck was pulling a flatbed trailer on the highway when he slowed to turn into a private drive. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says Hampton -- intoxicated and speeding -- drove up behind Ward, hit the trailer and went airborne, shearing off the cab of Ward's truck.
Garvin County Assistant District Attorney George Burnett says Hampton will have to serve at least 10 years of the term before he can be considered for parole.
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Information from: Pauls Valley Daily Democrat, http://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com
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