Fair Haven Man In Fatal Drunk Driving Boating Accident Gets Probation

A Fair Haven man whose Boston Whaler plowed into a speedboat one summer night and killed the other driver in July 2011 was sentenced to three years probation by a Monmouth County Superior Court judge Friday, according to app.com.

Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci Jr. also sentenced George Harrington, 41, to perform 150 hours of community service in the boating accident on the Navesink River that killed Christopher Plante, 50, of Keansburg on July 23, 2011.

Harrington had originally been charged with vehicular homicide, but pleaded guilty on July 13 to assault after a plea bargain offered by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

Authorities ordered Harrington’s blood to be drawn without a warrant to check his blood alcohol level hours after the accident, which the judge said would likely be kept from a jury under a recent New Jersey Supreme court ruling.

Plante’s relatives were not happy with the sentence.

Bert Plante, Christopher’s brother, said justice will come eventually.

“Karma exists,’’ Plante said. “I pity Mr. Harrington when his day comes due. That day, unfortunately, is not today.’’nor

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