Facing as much as a 35-year prison sentence Tuesday morning, Brittany Miles told Circuit Judge Michael Andrews how sorry she was.
She addressed the Pasco County deputy she injured while escaping a DUI arrest, telling Dep. Ashley Grady she was sorry and didn't mean to hurt her.
Miles received 15 years in prison for the battery conviction she received for the chase that injured Grady and ultimately killed a motorcyclist.
"Deputy Grady, I wanted to tell you I am sorry for what happened," said Miles, 24, accused of the 2011 high-speed pursuit up U.S. 19 from Pasco into Hernando County. "I did not mean to hurt you and I am sorry and I just want you to know that."
But Grady, the last person to address the court before the judge made his decision, was not so sympathetic. She said pills or no pills, Miles knew exactly what she was doing when she sped off in her truck, with Grady clinging to the window.
"She made this into a life or death situation when she could've done eight hours in jail for a DUI," said Dep. Grady. "She chose that decision, not the drugs.
During the trial in November, Miles admitted she was driving under the influence when Grady stopped her at U.S. Highway 19 and Embassy Boulevard in Port Richey.
She also admitted to escaping her handcuffs, getting back in her truck and pulling off in her truck, dragging Grady in the process.
Grady suffered a broken leg, and ankle and head injuries during the incident. Miles had originally been charged with attempted murder.
Miles' mother Debra Miles also took the stand, pleading with the court to have mercy on her daughter. Debra Miles told the court through tears about Brittany being addicted to pain killers and being a different person before the May 10, 2011 chase.
"The pills kind of, on a molecular level, they rewire the system on how you think," Debra Miles said.
Miles awaits a separate trial in the death of motorcyclist Henry McCain, 67. Tuesday's sentencing was on the battery charges only.