Baldwin Teen Stays in Jail

By Debbie Williams Reporter

A teenage driver charged with killing two bicyclist was back in a Baldwin County court room. Baldwin Teen Stays in Jail

Published: Thu, December 20, 2007 - 4:46 pm Last Updated: Thu, December 20, 2007 - 6:18 pm

Debbie Williams

He's accused of reckless murder in the Labor Day deaths of two bicyclist, but Patrick Ballard is accusing the Baldwin County jail of not giving him proper medical care.
Through his attorney, Ballard told a Baldwin County judge he could not move, walk or get out of bed without assistance because of injuries he received in the traffic crash. Ballard is being treated for two broken vertebrae. Defense attorney Jim Byrd filed a motion before judge James Reid asking that Ballard be transferred to a medical facility where he could get proper treatment. Judge Reid denied that request after hearing testimony from the jails medical staff. Dr. Charles Sherman told the judge he had consulted with a neuro-surgeon and other specialist concerning Ballard and had determined adequate medical care was being provided. In fact, he told the court, the last time he saw Ballard he "jumped off an exam table" and walked out in anger with "no limp and no assistance."
District Attorney Judy Newcomb says she is pleased with the judges decision and that any other ruling in the case would have set a bad precedent, opening the door "for every inmate wanting a second opinion on what the doctor diagnosed." Newcomb also said she was concerned that "part of the reason they are asking to be taken out of the facility is there is a component of how can I get out of this situation." She went on to say, "It would be a valid concern in this case."
On Labor Day, prosecutors say Ballard was drunk and speeding when he crashed his truck into bicyclist Art Clemmons and Bill Imle on Bromley Road near Stapleton. Both men were killed instantly. Ballard remains in the Baldwin County Jail on 300 thousand dollars bond.