By Luiz Perez
Newsday
NEW YORK — As the three men convicted of assaulting New York City Firefighter Richard Berkhout on the Sept. 11 anniversary two years ago stood before him for one last time yesterday, he told a judge how his life had “changed forever.”
“I sincerely believe their intention on Sept. 11, 2006, was to kill me,” Berkhout, 48, told state Supreme Court Justice Robert W. Doyle in an emotional statement delivered before sentencing. “There is no remorse for their actions - only denials.”
The defendants - twins Darian and Darrell Taylor, 29, were found guilty of first-degree gang assault and first-degree assault last year. Darian Taylor, of Center Moriches, was sentenced to 14 years in jail, while his brother got 12 years.
Their half brother, Christopher Robinson, 28, of Mastic, was sentenced to 20 years for the gang assault.
Robinson and Darian Taylor said nothing in the courtroom, but Darrell Taylor burst out in a rage after the sentence, mentioning his children, who sat with his mother and other family members in the courtroom.
Prosecutors, who had sought a minimum of 25 years to life for Robinson and “significant” sentences for the Taylors, nonetheless praised the rulings. The victims, who included Berkhout’s wife, Margaret, were also given lifetime orders of protection.
“Justice was served,” said Steve Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighter’s Association, who came to court with dozens of firefighters.
The confrontation occurred as Berkhout and his wife, both 48, took a stroll on Lakeview Drive in Mastic, where they live, after attending 9/11 services earlier that day.
Prosecutors said Berkhout yelled at a speeding car that passed him to “slow down.” That set off a vicious attack in which the three men in the car got out and repeatedly struck Berkhout, prosecutors say, causing bleeding in the brain and other serious injuries that left him in critical condition.
Defense attorneys said Berkhout was intoxicated and delivered the same two words followed by profanities. The lawyers also said that only Robinson dealt a single blow to Berkhout.
But Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro and Berkhout’s wife, Margaret, who testified, insisted all three men beat the firefighter.
Craig McElwee of Bethpage, who represented Darian Taylor, said the jury’s verdict stood in contrast to Robinson’s own admission that he acted alone.
“There was no blood, no skin, no clothing transfer, nothing that connects them to the act,” McElwee said.
Robinson’s attorney, Robert J. Del Col of Huntington, said: “There has been a travesty of justice.”
Copyright 2008 Newsday, Inc