NORWICH – Three were sentenced at Chenango County Court on Nov. 15. Judge Frank B. Revoir, Jr. sent a repeat offender, charged with stealing a tractor, to prison. A deaf offender was sentenced to probation for driving while impaired by drugs, and a youthful offender received probation for a drug charge and was released to his father’s custody.

• John M. Hunt, 27, Norwich, pleaded guilty to grand larceny. “Unfortunately, it’s not looking good for Mr. Hunt. He stole someone’s tractor. The police were on the scene when the transaction took place, and he was arrested right there,” said District Attorney Joseph McBride.

McBride added that Hunt has had a lifetime of criminal activity related to drugs and alcohol. “He needs to be removed from our community. He can’t stay here if he is going to be ripping people off. He will have a couple years to think about what he has done and see what he wants to do.” In 2010, Hunt received a probation sentence of five years for possession of stolen property which he was serving at the time he committed grand larceny.

Hunt received an indeterminate sentence of two to four years and a crime victim fee of $325. “I do not enjoy sending people to prison no matter what they have done. Hopefully it will give you time to reflect upon changing your life. If you do not change the people, places and things, you will fall into the same trap,” said Revoir.

• Thomas E. Bates, 45, Norwich, pleaded guilty to the class E felony of driving while under the influence of drugs. Bates was driving a 1999 Honda Civic on County Highway 32 when he was pulled over.

Officers suspected that he was impaired by drugs. He was given and failed a sobriety test. It was noted that his eyes were glassy, his coordination was impaired and his blood tested positive for Oxycodone, a prescription narcotic. He told the police at the time that he had taken Percocet for pain.

During sentencing Bates’ lawyer, John Cameron, addressed the court and told them that the defendant is deaf or hard of hearing. “I would ask that you speak up a little louder than usual. Judge Revoir’s voice grew significantly louder as he said to Bates, “I want to make sure you understand everything I am saying.” Bates, who wore hearing aids to court, confirmed that he heard everything the Judge was saying.

“I did not know I was under the influence at the time,” said Bates. “But as you stand here today, you acknowledge that fact?” said Judge Revoir. Bates gave an affirmative yes.