Patrick Poon stood solemnly next to his defense attorney Wednesday afternoon in Burlington's Vermont Superior Court listening to the parents of the 16-year-old Hinesburg teen who had crashed on an ATV after consuming alcohol that Poon had purchased for him.

Poon, 23, of Williston has said he never knew Clinton Norris, but he said he was pressured by his friend at the time — Kent Richland, 28, of South Burlington — into buying Norris the alcohol May 2013. Norris later died from the injuries he sustained in the crash.

Poon struck a plea deal with prosecutors in January, pleading guilty to the charge of furnishing alcohol to Norris and agreeing to testify at Richland's jury trial in March in exchange for a lowered sentence.

Alan and Nancy Norris read a statement to Poon in court Wednesday during his sentencing hearing. Tears filled Poon's eyes as he listened.

"One of the many things I admired about Clint was that he took responsibility for his actions," Nancy Norris read. "I believe that you have taken responsibility for your actions and I respect that ... My sincere hope is that this is a turning point in your life, one where you will have the confidence to know that people who ask you to do something that you know deep down is wrong are not your friends."

After Norris' parents finished the statement, Alan Norris looked at Poon as he sat back down and said, "Patrick, take good care of your son." Poon has a three-year-old son.

Allowed to speak after evidence was presented and the Norris family made its statement, Poon broke down into tears as he faced the family and apologized.

"I've realized how bad my decision was," Poon said, his voice breaking. "It's taken me this whole time to figure out I want to do something with my life. I want to be better ... I just want you guys to know how sorry I am."

Richland was found guilty during a jury trial in late March for pressuring Poon into purchasing a bottle of gin for Norris after Norris had contacted Richland asking for alcohol. Richland is in the process of appealing his case to the Vermont Supreme Court.

Both Deputy Chittenden County State's Attorney Scott Willison and defense attorney Jason Sawyer agreed that Richland had been the "bad actor" and instigator of the situation, and both argued for what they thought would be the proper sentence for Poon to serve.

Willison said he wanted to honor the fact that Poon had cooperated with the state by testifying at Richland's jury trial.

After hearing all arguments, Judge Samuel Hoar took a short recess to decide Poon's sentence. Nancy Norris greeted Poon with a hug, and Alan Norris gave him a handshake during the break. The couple and spoke with Poon until the judge returned.

Hoar sentenced Poon to 60 days of home confinement, with exceptions for working at his job and for family medical needs. Hoar also added that Poon must serve 30 days on work crew, complete 100 hours of community service and enroll in a Project CRASH course for alcohol education. Poon will remain on probation for 1-2 years.

"Being an adult means taking responsibility for what you do," Hoar said.

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LizMurraySMC.

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