When handling the case of a 96-year-old man who had been caught speeding near a school, a municipal court judge in Providence, Rhode Island showed his compassion.
Victor Coella’s charges were dropped by Judge Frank Caprio after finding that, at the time, the nonagenarian was taking his 63-year-old son to the doctor’s as part of his cancer treatment. “I don’t drive that fast, Judge,” Coella said in his defense. “I’m 96 years old and I drive slowly, and I only drive when I have to.” Coella explained to the judge that he had been supporting his son, who is “han.dicapped”.
“I take him for blo.od work every two weeks because he’s got ca.ncer,” Coella said and his eyes turn red. At that point, Caprio’s eyes narrowed and he appeared to have made up his decision regarding the worried father. “You are a good man. You are a good man,” Caprio responded “You really are what America is all about.
Here you are in your 90s, and you’re still taking care of your family. That’s just a wonderful thing.” Upon hearing that Coella’s son was 63 years old, Caprio grinned and said “And Daddy’s still taking care of him, right?”
The conversation then took the unexpected turn when Caprio introduced his own son, who was seated in the back of the room. Caprio concluded by wishing Coella and his son well and announcing that the case was dismissed.