Thursday, 4:30 PM
Station fire judge says impact statements won't change sentences
By Andrew Ryan, Globe Correspondent
The judge in the Station fire case reminded family members giving victim impact statements at today’s sentencing that their words would have no effect on the plea bargain for the club owners.
Superior Court Judge Francis J. Darigan Jr. told the almost 30 people prepared to speak that despite the "tremendous dissatisfaction, bitterness and some disgust" there will be no change in the sentences that will spare prison time for one of the club owners.
"I know there is a feeling of futility among the presenters here today," Darigan said. "I also know that you have been told by some that perhaps after listening to presenters here today that the court will change its mind and somehow alter the plea and or the disposition I have indicated."
"I must tell you that is not the case," Darigan said.
In a letter sent to families last week, Darigan said he will sentence Michael Derderian to four years in prison and spare Jeffrey Derderian jail time through a suspended sentence and 500 hours of community service.
The sentence will mark an end to the criminal case stemming from the Feb. 20, 2003 fire, which started after pyrotechnics were ignited and flames tore through the soundproofing foam the Derderians had installed throughout the club. The blaze killed 100 people.
The pyrotechnics were ignited by rock band Great White's manager, Daniel M . Biechele, who was sentenced in May to four years in prison after an emotional three-day hearing in which relatives of nearly half those killed either spoke or had their statements read aloud.
