Judge rips hit-and-run driver who left woman to die after plea for 9 months in jail

Uber Eats driver gets nine months in plea deal for fatal hit-and-run

Adding to the high emotions in court— Joseph Stewart was late to his appearance by more than three hours. The victim's family walked out before Stewart’s apology.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Judge Kelly Ramsey did not mince words when sentencing the former food delivery driver in a deadly hit-and-run.

Joseph Stewart was accused of fatally striking 56-year-old Delia Dinwiddie — a grandmother and beloved wife — on June 8th on Linwood near Davison on Detroit's west side.

"I wonder if it would’ve given her some comfort in her final breaths if you had walked out of your car and held her hand - and had the decency to apologize," Judge Ramsey said.

Stewart was delivering a pizza for Uber Eats when he allegedly crashed into Dinwiddie.

"And not only did he say I went on to deliver the pizza, they asked him why didn’t you contact the police? His response was it would’ve been an inconvenience," said Brian Craigo, the prosecuting attorney.

Stewart was originally charged with three counts, but got a plea deal after pleading no contest to failure to stop.

The 26-year-old was sentenced to nine months in jail, and two years' probation.

"I would have not given you this sentence," the judge said. "I would have not."

That’s because this case was held in a different judge’s courtroom until now.

Adding to the high emotions in court, Stewart was late to his appearance by more than three hours.

Dinwiddie’s family walked out before Stewart’s apology.

"I've been wanting to apologize to the family, but other than that, there’s not really a lot to say," Stewart said.

Judge Ramsey responded sharply.

"I'm not impressed with your apology today Mr. Stewart," she said. "You said you’d have liked to apologize but you didn’t even say the words I’m sorry to this court.

"I wonder if she’d still be alive today Mr. Stewart if you’d have stopped instantly and pulled out your cell phone, and dialed 911 and called an ambulance? I want you to ask that question to yourself every day for the rest of your life."

Judge Ramsey ordered that there would be no time off for good behavior and serve every day of that nine month sentence. When he is released must pay court fines and restitution.