Updated at 6:02 p.m., Monday, July 16, 2007
Serial car thief gets longer prison term
Advertiser Staff
A state judge today gave a 19-year-old man a longer sentence than what was recommended by both the prosecution and defense.Circuit Judge Steven Alm sentenced Nathan Branco to 10 to 25 years in prison for robbery, driving stolen cars and related offenses.
Branco had pleaded guilty earlier this year as part of a plea agreement in which the prosecutor and defense recommended a prison term of 6 2/3 to 15 years. But Alm said the longer term was required to protect the public from Branco.
"I hate to say it, Mr. Branco, but you are a hazard" to pedestrians and others, the judge said.
Branco was on probation in December when he was arrested following a three-hour police pursuit from Waiau to Halawa. He pleaded guilty to driving a stolen car that day as well as driving other stolen vehicles in January and February.
The judge ordered Branco to serve at least 10 years before he can be released on parole because he is a repeat offender.
Alm also ordered Branco to pay about $6,000 in restitution.
The Hawai'i Paroling Authority will later determine when Branco can be paroled after he serves at least 10 years.
