Man sentenced after life-altering accident and third DWI

FORT EDWARD, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Today was the first time Helen Crawford saw Brian Hyatt, the man who drove drunk and hit her while biking home from work in 2023. He was sentenced to prison for 2 1/3 to seven years.

Crawford was nervous but excited to come to court. She’s been counting the days since the accident happened: 573. “It’s been a long road. It’s been painful physically. It’s just fair that gets to do his time since he hurt me so badly.”

The Crawford family came to Washington County Court to support her, just like they’ve done her whole recovery. After surviving a 1 in 100 chance surgery and waking up from a coma, Helen had to relearn almost everything.

“We got her walking, she’s up moving… And it’s been a struggle because we think of the old Helen who we wish we had that Helen back but you know what, she’s moving forward and she’s progressing and she’s progressing and we’re so proud of her,” described Joann Hackett, Helen’s mother.

Helen also got to speak to Hyatt for the first time. She was wheeled to the front of the courtroom by her stepfather where she listed what he took. “In 573 days, I’ve done more than the doctors ever though possible. But you do know what it’s like to do anything I used to do? I haven’t held my child. My voice sounds different. My thoughts are fuzzy. Sometimes I get confused and angry. I want to be free from this chair, these medications, the various therapy sessions and the burden I feel to my family.”

When asked how addressing Hyatt made her feel, Crawford said, “I have mixed emotions. It was scary. It was nice to be able to read the words from my heart to him."

Hyatt also read a statement outloud, "There are no words that can describe how much I regret the pain I have caused. I understand I must face the consequences of my actions and I am prepared to do so."

This was Hyatt’s third DWI. The judge sentenced him after calling his statement 'hollow'. “There’s no way Ms. Crawford isn’t going to be still suffering. Anybody that knows the facts of this case is gonna look at this and say, ‘How can New York State possibly allow that to be the maximum sentence.’”

“I wish it was more but it doesn’t change that nuance but I’m excited for him to do his sentence likes he’s made me physically do mine for over a year,” described Crawford.

Helen told NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski that she is leaving all her anger behind after the sentencing, instead focusing on her long road to recovery. The Crawford family is thrilled she can walk just a little bit.