Drunk Michigan Dad Sentenced To Probation For Letting 9-Year-Old Drive

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Feb 23, 2012 11:20PM

The Michigan man who was drunkenly allowed his 9-year-old daughter drive his car has been sentenced to two years of probation. Shawn Weimer, 39, of Brownstown Township, Mich., pleaded guilty under the condition he receive no jail time.

Last October, video of Weimer and his daughter circulated after he bragged to a gas station employee about how well she was driving. "Nine years old — 9," he said. "We're leaving and she's driving. I'm drunk."

In November, the girl cried as she testified that her father had consumed half a bottle of whiskey. The father apologized at the sentencing hearing.

Detroit's Local 4 news writes:

“I’d just like to say I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused,” Weimer told the judge.

When the judge asked how the girl knew how to drive, Weimer said she had been riding four-wheelers and dirt bikes since she was three years old on a private trail.

He was charged with second-degree child abuse and allowing an unlicensed minor to operate a motor vehicle on the condition he'd receive no jail time.