FARMINGTON — A Lincoln man was given a six-month sentence Friday after his conviction for aggravated operating under the influence accomplice liability in connection with a fiery fatal car crash in 2007.

Justice Michaela Murphy sentenced Ryan Hurd, 23, to two years with all but six months suspended, two years probation, a $2,100 fine and a mandatory loss of license for six years. All aspects of the sentence were put on hold pending the appeal. Murphy advised Hurd to continue with his personal recognizance bail conditions and to not drink.

Hurd was convicted in May by a Franklin County Superior Court jury for allowing another driver to operate his car while intoxicated. He was acquitted of manslaughter and aggravated operating under the influence involving a crash that killed a co-worker and seriously injured another in 2007.

Hurd’s Pontiac Grand Prix crashed and burned in New Vineyard on Oct. 17, 2007, but in his defense, he alleged turning the keys over to Terry “T.J.” Richardson Jr., 34, of Dover-Foxcroft. Richardson was behind the wheel when the car went of out control traveling at an estimated 98 mph. It struck a utility pole and rolled over on Route 27 in the early-morning hours. Richardson died in the crash.

Chad Bernier of Medway, who was 30 at the time, was trapped in the burning car and suffered serious injuries. Hurd was thrown from the vehicle and also injured.

The jury heard testimony that all three had been drinking heavily prior to the accident and Hurd had admitted to police that he was drunk but alleged he was not driving the car.

A dozen members of Hurd’s family and friends sat in the court Friday as Hurd tearfully spoke before the sentencing.

“I regret getting into that car and drinking. It took by friend’s life and almost took me. I work everyday with TJ’s father and there’s not a day that I don’t see his face. I’m sorry for my ignorant actions that night,” he said.

Since the accident, Hurd has married and is about to become a father, said his attorney Richard Hartley, who told the court Hurd is not drinking and has been described by the people who know him now as a hard worker. The incident has played a large role in his life and made an impact on his life, Hartley said.

“The impact on Ryan didn’t begin with the trial process. It started the next day after the accident when he found out his best friend had died,” he said.

Fifteen family members and friends submitted letters supporting Hurd’s character. One wrote that Hurd talks about his previous life of partying with regret and sadness.

But, Murphy took into account that at the time Hurd turned the keys over he had already committed OUI and with a high blood-alcohol level. This was also not his first legal experience with drinking and driving, she said.

Assistant District Attorney James Andrews expressed the state’s concerns that Hurd had not been through a formal substance abuse evaluation or treatment. Hurd’s drinking reaches the point of blackouts, which need to be addressed professionally, he said.

Murphy included alcohol evaluation and any subsequent recommended treatment within his probation sentence.

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