Kona judge frees
drunken-driving suspect

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By Rod Thompson
rthompson@starbulletin.com

KEALAKEKUA, Hawaii >> A Kona drunken-driving and manslaughter suspect has been released without bail despite four drunken-driving convictions in Canada.

District Judge Joseph Florendo declined a motion yesterday by Deputy Prosecutor Dale Ross to set bail for Stephen St. Clair, 39, or to hold him without bail. St. Clair is charged in the Feb. 23 death of Jane O'Brien, 58, of Santa Barbara, Calif.

A police statement said St. Clair was "burning rubber" when he lost control of his car and pinned the victim against a stone wall.

Mark Webb of San Francisco, an attorney in a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by the victim's husband, Dan Botkin, said that after hitting O'Brien the car plowed six feet through the wall. Webb said he was shocked by Florendo's decision not to set bail. Florendo only required St. Claire to telephone authorities, not to appear in person, because St. Clair would have to pay the cost of a taxicab.

"I have not seen somebody set loose so easily," Webb said. "It's outrageous that the judge can say let him dial in twice a week. He killed somebody!"

Attorney Michael McPherson, assigned to defend St. Clair the night before, said he believes the judge was correct. St. Clair has appeared as required for two urinalysis tests, he said. He added, "Somebody died and it's awful. My client is very, very remorseful and distraught over this."

A trial date has not been set.