Before Andrew Vargas was sentenced, he apologized to Ryan's parents.
"I cannot find the words to express how remorseful I feel towards the White family," said Vargas.
Prosecutor Omid Talai read a letter from the family since they weren't able to leave Philadelphia for the sentencing.
"It is hard to know how sincere you are with your remorse. Sincerity can be seen in a person's eyes. This is why we wish we could be there for your sentencing to see and feel your remorse in person," said Talai.
But Ryan's parents could not look into the eyes of the 22-year-old who crippled their son. Ryan, now 10, is going through yet another surgery. His fourth since he was hit by Vargas' car last August as he crossed the street after his family left AT&T Park.
"You are incarcerated because of your actions. But Ryan is also incarcerated because of your actions. He can't do many of the things he used to enjoy doing," said Talai.
Vargas left the scene, hitting other cars as his Toyota weaved in and out of traffic. He was arrested after a sobriety test showed he was drunk.
"I have learned so much out of this and I am determined to turn things around for them," said Vargas.
Ken and Roseanne White wrote that they could not totally forgive Vargas, but his contrition made it easier to do that, someday.
"We don't want you to sit in jail forever and do nothing. We want you to become a productive member of society," said Talai.
Vargas told the court, he'll do just that.
"I will do everything that is in my power to avoid others from making the mistake I committed," said Vargas.
Vargas pleaded guilty last month to felony DUI and hit and run charges. Wednesday, he was sentenced to one year in county jail, five years probation, DUI classes and community service. Prosecutor Talai says the White Family supports the sentence. The white family has set up a trust fund to pay Ryan's medical bills.
Ryan White's family has set up a trust fund to help with expenses relating to his recovery. Donations can be mailed to the Ryan White Trust, P.O. Box 562, Langhorne, PA 19047.
