NORTHAMPTON — A 78-year-old city man charged in the death of a motorcyclist in Westhampton last year was sentenced in Northampton District Court Friday to five years probation and a loss of license until at least October 2025, according to the Northwestern district attorney’s office.
Thomas Hanley pleaded guilty to a charge of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, admitting that he had crossed over a double yellow line in his pickup truck on Route 66 and directly into the path of a motorcycle being driven by David Foster, 57, of Huntington. Hanley was attempting to turn into a driveway after spotting a free lawn chair alongside the road and Foster crashed into the side of Hanley’s truck, according to the DA’s office.
Foster suffered serious injuries in the Oct. 22 crash and was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield where he died the following the day.
Hanley’s plea was agreed upon jointly by Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington and Hanley’s defense attorney, Paul Rudolf of Northampton. Hanley pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of negligent operation of a motor vehicle from the original charge of negligent motor vehicle homicide.
Judge Jacklyn Connly placed conditions on Hanley’s probation that he not seek reinstatement of his license any earlier than Oct. 22, 2025, and that he not operate a motor vehicle while on probation. He must also notify the Northampton District Court Probation Department when seeking reinstatement of his license.
“These are the most difficult cases when trying to come up with a fair sentence,” Covington said in a statement. “The commonwealth believes this sentence incorporates a fair punishment, the ability to allow the defendant to be rehabilitated, and a safety component to the general public.”
In recommending the sentence, Covington said the commonwealth considered Hanley’s age, his lack of prior record, and that fact that Foster’s wife, “who showed overwhelming compassion and forgiveness” towards Hanley, was comfortable with the recommendation.