This undated photo provided by the Lorain City Jail shows Paul Pelton. Pelton has pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge after posting online a cellphone video of a grisly car crash in northeast Ohio that killed one teenager and critically injured another. Pelton is accused of using his phone to record the single-car accident in Lorain, Ohio on July 13. It occurred after the vehicle went airborne while crossing railroad tracks and crashed into a house. Police say Pelton is heard calling the 17-year-old occupants "idiots" as others tried to help them. (Lorain City Jail via AP) (The Associated Press)
A northern Ohio man who recorded grisly cellphone video of a car crash that killed one teenager and critically injured another has been sentenced to 30 days in jail.
The judge who sentenced 41-year-old Paul Pelton on Wednesday for vehicle trespass and disorderly conduct says he wishes he could've gone beyond the maximum penalty.
Prosecutors say Pelton opened a door of the wrecked vehicle to continue recording while others tried to help the two teens. Police said Pelton can be heard on the video calling the teens "idiots."
Pelton's attorneys said in court that he only opened the door because another bystander asked what was in the backseat.
One defense attorney says Pelton realizes what he did was insensitive but added that it doesn't make him a criminal.
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