Sentencing delayed until July 31 for Jon Bones Jones in DWI case

UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion Jon “Bones” Jones appeared in Binghamton city court yesterday morning to request a delay in his sentencing for DWI, because he has not completed a two-day drug and alcohol evaluation at a facility in Tompkins County. The judge gave Jones three weeks to complete the evaluation and his new sentencing date is scheduled for July 31.

Jones was arrested and charged with DWI after crashing his 2012 Bentley into a utility pole, no other vehicles were involved, but two of Jones’ passengers were injured. Jones pled guilty to the DWI charge.

Under his plea bargain with the District Attorney’s office of Broome, New York, Jones is expected to receive one-year conditional dischargeand pay a fine of up to $1,500. In addition, he would  be required to install ignition interlock devices in his vehicles, pay restitution for damage, undergo a substance dependency evaluation and attend a victim impact class.

Jones’ lawyers released the following statement yesterday, the first official statement from Jones since the accident: “Mr. Jones wishes to express the following to his fans, friends, and, most of all, his family: By pleading guilty on May 29, Mr. Jones accepted responsibility for his actions. This process has been a learning experience for this young man. He is remorseful for his conduct, but thankful for the opportunity to accept responsibility and to grow as a person. This experience has motivated Mr. Jones to achieve his maximum potential both professionally and personally.”

The outcome of Jones’ sentencing is not expected to affect the scheduling of his UFC 151 main event title defense against Dan Henderson.