Bregel handed 2 to 6-year sentence in drunk driving case

Patricia Bregel, 35, of Lynbrook, has been sentenced to two to six years in prison by Nassau County Judge Alan Honorof for her involvement in the death of East Rockaway man Timothy Motherway in March of 2009, according to the Nassau County D.A.'s office.

Bregel, who pleaded guilty to drunk driving and manslaughter after she caused the crash that killed Motherway, according to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice.

"We are relieved the sentencing finally took place today as it has been a gruelling 19-month journey to get here," said Kathryn Motherway Daly, Timothy's sister. "It was a very emotional day for all of us. I think we were able to bring Tim back to life, if only for a little while, through our victim impact statements."

The family was permitted to show an emotional video montage of Timothy's life in the courtroom during sentencing. "[We] show[ed] the judge the wonderful man [Timothy] was and the devastation we feel with his loss."

On March 27, 2009, 12:45 a.m., Bregel was driving her 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe northbound on Atlantic Avenue in East Rockaway when she crashed into Motherway, who was driving his 2000 Chevrolet Malibu and turning left from the southbound lane into his driveway when the crash occurred. He died from his injuries a short time later. Bregel’s blood-alcohol content was .08 percent after the crash. Police estimated that Bregel was driving at least 50 M.P.H. in a 30 M.P.H. when the crash occurred.

“People who get behind the wheel of a car after drinking are gambling with the lives of the innocent people in their path,” said Rice. “Long after this defendant's time is served, there will still remain a gaping hole in the lives of Timothy Motherway’s family.”

Assistant District Attorney Anna Acquafredda of the Major Offense Bureau and Deputy Bureau Chief of Vehicular Crimes Robert Hayden are handling the case for the District Attorney's Office. Bregel is represented by Sal Marinello, Esq.