Judge Calls Halloween Photos of Drunk Driver 'A Defense Attorney's Worst Nightmare'
Joshua Lipton sentenced to 2 years in the ACI on drunk driving charges
John Eagan
Story Created:
May 28, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST
Story Updated:
May 30, 2008 at 1:37 PM EST
21-year old Joshua Lipton sat in Providence Superior Court awaiting his fate on drunk driving charges.
The charges stem from a 3-car accident in Smithfield back in October of 2006.
The head-on collision broke Jade Combie's bones, punctured her organs, and left the young woman from Lincoln clinging to life in the hospital.
Prosecutors say Lipton, who was 20 at the time and was a student at Bryant University had 9 drinks in his system when he went out to buy cigarettes on that rainy night.
They say he has an alcohol problem and clearly lacks any remorse.
The proof? In pictures showing Lipton at a Halloween party dressed in a jailbird costume, just three weeks after the crash.
Judge Daniel Procaccini called the jailbird photos 'a defense attorney's worst nightmare' before sentencing Lipton to two years behind bars at the ACI.
Monday, Oct 6 at 9:50 PM ashley wrote ...
Jake, I hate to say it but your the one that deserves to be in prison, whats with death threats online? Don't you know they are ILLEGAL. I wish I knew who you were so I could re direct you to the police, maybe I will have them find you.. computer tracing is done very easily. Goodluck!
Tuesday, Sep 23 at 10:45 PM Jake wrote ...
I wish they'd take him out back and shoot him. This is why prohibition should be back...
Sunday, Sep 14 at 5:03 PM Anonymous wrote ...
did anyone ever stop to think that maybe he worse a costume as a way of saying...i really messed up, i'm an idiot and i'm in big trouble? oh no wait, it obviously can only mean he has no remorse right? ignorant people who know NOTHING about this person should keep thier comments to themselves. JOSH IS A GOOD KID and yet no one seems to care that this girl Jade had marijuana in her system at the time. Who's to say SHE isn't partially to blame for the accident for being high?
Tuesday, Sep 9 at 5:13 PM Sean wrote ...
So this kid, after the fact, just randomly put on an orange convict jumpsuit for Halloween. Half-way through the night did he realize, "Oops! Maybe this wasn't the best choice of costume. I look a tad insensitive." And if that's the case, that's quite the coincidence.
Thursday, Aug 28 at 10:15 PM ILOVEJ.L wrote ...
so for all the people who comment on Josh's character as a person, do you even know him? Yes, Josh was wrong for the costume, but really, dont you have your own children or family members or friends who have ever made stupid mistake- a halloween costume.? lets be real here, we all kno it was a dumb thing to do and no one denies it, but dont attack him as a person. none of you know him so therefore, get a life. dont sit online and post ignorant things just to be on the internet.
Tuesday, Aug 26 at 7:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...
oh wait? wasnt she getting high in the car? she got a big settlement and that wasn't enough? funny .. he is a good kid and made one mistake.. people in rhode island need to get over it..
Tuesday, Aug 19 at 11:12 PM Bingo ACI wrote ...
.08 is the law, what happen here is Justice Fair enough or there were not enought money to buy the Court System,,, Obey the Law or the Law will Enforce You.
Thursday, Jul 24 at 2:50 PM Jen wrote ...
Shame on everyone posting that speaks of Josh like they know him! Personally knowing Josh I know that he does have remorse for his actions and if time could be turned back he would for Jade and himself to have never experienced this horrible incident;both of their lives have been changed forever! And who are all you people to comment on what kind of kid Josh is…YOU DON’T KNOW him! Bad things happen to GOOD people!!–Josh is good people and is accepting his responsibility!
Saturday, Jul 19 at 8:55 AM Eric -- Fairfax VA wrote ...
As someone who lost 7 family members to a drunk driver, I have dealt with the consequences of behavior like Joshua's. A "mistake" like Joshua's took the lives of 7 people, including 5 children, all of whom died along a lonely rural road, their bodies horribly mangled. I have to live with that loss every day of my life. That Joshua thought his Halloween costume was in any way funny or humorous only adds to the pain. Indeed, Joshua is lucky that his victim lived and that he is only doing 2 years.
Friday, Jul 18 at 8:44 PM Jason Nestea, Pawtuckett, RI wrote ...
Mr. Lipton will have a lot to learn. First - he should go online and learn about prison culture and "protective pairing." Finally, we hope he learns to be more careful, about everything. P.S. Josh - don't catch any diseases!
Friday, Jul 18 at 5:59 PM LOLZ! wrote ...
JOSH GOT OWNED SON! HAVE FUN WITH YOUR NEW FRIEND BUBBA! YOU DESERVE IT YOU REMORSELESS LITTLE **** :) :) :)
Friday, Jul 18 at 3:19 PM Reason wrote ...
Great people do not drink and drive. If you people think he is the kindest person youve ever met then I would really hate to see what kind of people you normally hang out with. There are millions of people who manage to drink responsibly, if you think this "can happen to anyone" then you SERIOUSLY have problems just like Joshua, you need help before you kill someone. He was jaded just like his friends posting here, get help, NEVER drink if you plan on driving home, theres never an excuse.
Friday, Jul 18 at 1:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Joshua Lipton - what a loser.
Tuesday, Jun 3 at 2:28 PM Nate (continued) wrote ...
To all of those who say we are only defending him because we are Bryant students too, get real! If people were viciously attacking your friend wouldn’t you defend their honor? And for Jane, who asked if this is the kind of people Bryant is turning out these days. Maybe if you went to Bryant, or any other school for that matter you wouldn’t posting on newspaper websites about a topic that does not affect you because you would be at work. PS If you do post at least have the guts to leave a name
Tuesday, Jun 3 at 2:21 PM Nate wrote ...
Wow! All of you losers have nothing better to do than sit around and bash some kid, you don’t know. You should all be so proud. Well, I for one know Josh very well, and have even lived with him. I can assure you that he is remorseful and has learned from his mistake. Also, to those of you that feel he is not, merely from what you’ve read here, know this is a website that anyone can post on and therefore is not 100% accurate! (I.E.: whoever said they recently saw Josh at a bar).
Monday, Jun 2 at 11:04 PM Catia wrote ...
WOW!!! I am so shocked by some of these comments. For those bashing Josh, know that he DOES feel remorse, and no one ever took away from the attention this girl deserves. NO question she was hurt, and Josh never once took the responsibility off of himself,and has apologized. He realizes that it may not be enough, but he is truly sorry for his actions. He made a mistake.. and for the a***h*** who wrote he "deserves to hang!!!" You deserve to go to HELL!!!!!
Saturday, May 31 at 12:20 PM Mandi wrote ...
Josh is a disgrace to Bryant? So, what about all of the other students who let him get into his car that night? You might personally know Jade, but we know Josh, and we know that he is quite possibly the most caring person anyone could ever have the privilege of knowing. We understand that he made a mistake, but the only people who are effected by the comments on here are Josh's family and friends, and if you ignorant people only have the intention of hurting us, then we feel even worse for you.
Saturday, May 31 at 12:33 AM Dont Matter wrote ...
Just wanted to say I have no remorse for this Joshua Lipton person. I personally know Jade Combies and she did not deserve what happened to her. She does not deserve to live with an arm she cant move and wont be able to move for the rest of her life. I attend Bryant and he is a disgrace for the school. It is because of his irresponsibility a girls life is ruined, and to poke fun at it by wearing a Jailbird costume few weeks later is disgusting 2 years is not enough cuz Jafe will suffer forever!
Friday, May 30 at 10:21 AM kristi wrote ...
listen i dont understand why u guys need to spend your time bad mouthing someone you dont know, yes josh ruined his life, why is that important to you, we (his friends) are defending his character and not his actions. Josh is in jail, he is paying for what hes done, now please leave him alone his friends and family who love him and have done nothing wrong are the ones suffering from your vicious comments, josh is in jail and not reading this but the people who love him are, please be considerate
Friday, May 30 at 9:12 AM THE POPE OF PROVIDENCE wrote ...
SUSIE FROM CRAAAAANSTON, YOU'RE WAY OFF ON THAT ONE, I'M SURE IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME FOR THAT ! ! ! THANKS FOR THE ADVISE WITH THE SPELLING THOUGH. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. I'M SURE YOUR EVERYONES FAVORITE "DUDE"
Thursday, May 29 at 11:43 PM For all you kids speaking up in Joshuas defence... wrote ...
First off...this kid did not make a mistake. He seriously ruined his whole life in the course of one month, not one accident, ONE MONTH. He may have BEEN a "good kid" at one point, but this picture posted here says the exact opposit. It's sad but I belive he got what he deserved 100%, no matter what his back ground was. I hope he learns his lesson when he comes out of this 2 years from now. As for the victem of this crash, my heart goes out to her. She did not deserve what happened to her.
Thursday, May 29 at 11:15 PM I have no sympathy for Josh here. wrote ...
He knew he was drunk and drove anyway, this is a situation where an accident is unavoidable! He nearly killed someone else then he made fun of the situation by dressing up as a jailbird for Halloween. Putting this man in jail for two years is far too kind a punishment. He should be made an example of so other people, young and old think twice before repeating his mistake. If your going to drink, don't even think about driving. Have someone else who is SOBER drive you home.
Thursday, May 29 at 6:58 PM Karma, Fairfield,/ct wrote ...
I know Josh and like him alot as a person and realize we are all human and make mistakes! Josh is very effected by this and it has made him a better person, we all know what he did was wrong and that has never been a question...but these awful things you are saying are only hurting the innocent and enough innocent people have suffered, please use this as an opportunity to learn and spread the message because that is what Josh and his loved ones and all actually involved would want!
Thursday, May 29 at 5:07 PM kristi wrote ...
seriously everyone here should just keep talking about what they dont know, it makes them seem so intelligent... really youre all so cool, i hope this makes you feel good about yourselves
Thursday, May 29 at 2:46 PM T- Warwick wrote ...
This was his second chance. He had a previous problem with an accident from alcohol but that was OK because it was only damage to property. Wrong!!! Josh was smug and thought as some at the institution that every mistake can be blamed on youth. He found out the hard way youth and ignorance are no excuse when you commit a crime. Did anyone else see the post that only 2 weeks ago he was drinking, so much for supposedly being in recovery. Sorry Josh now you must pay "real" consequences.
Thursday, May 29 at 1:21 PM Susie from Cranston wrote ...
To The Pope and Larry (who I gather might be one in the same): Learn to spell dude! Your (spelled correctly)name calling when done with incorrect grammar and misspellings shows your (spelled correctly) intelligence (spelled correctly) level. Get a dictionary.
Thursday, May 29 at 12:21 PM Kristi wrote ...
seriously all ur yammering on about how you feel about josh is doing nothing, move on, hes paying for what happened and nothing we say bad or good is going to change that, stop putting ignorant messages up here, we obviously feel for jade but unfortunatly we now have to defend our friend against peope calling him a snob and hoping he'll get hurt, i hope u all make some life altering mistake someday, get punished and then attacked while you cant even speak up for yourself. grow up and get a life
Thursday, May 29 at 12:00 PM In pawtucket! wrote ...
75% of americans drink and drive? hahahaha, thats absolutely faults! This guy deserves to be put behind bars, he put inocent lives at risk. You drink, you drive, you lose.
Thursday, May 29 at 11:34 AM Chris wrote ...
Josh Lipton was a good kid who made a horrible mistake. He is being severly punished as his life did a complete 180 from last year. I am not trying to take away anything from what that poor girl faced with surgerys and rehab. People just need to leave Josh alone as he is being punished. Stop posting ignorant comments. 75% of Americans drink and drive, Josh's turned into a horrible event. Maybe people will finally learn from this.
Thursday, May 29 at 11:04 AM LARRY FROM PROVIDENCE wrote ...
IS SARAH KIDDING ??? PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME SHE'S KIDDING. THAT WAS THE MOST UNEDUCATED, IGNORANT COMMENT SO FAR THIS MONTH. SARAH, YOU SHOWED YOUR LEVEL OF INTELLEGENCE WITH THAT ONE. MERE WEEKS ??? WHAT A JERK !! GROW UP KID, YOUR A DISGRACE.
Thursday, May 29 at 10:14 AM THE POPE OF PROVIDENCE wrote ...
ANON, NOW THERE'S A CUTE NAME ! ARE YOU LIPTON'S BESTEST BUDDY ?? CARLOS, YOUR JUST A DOPE ! SUE AND DAVE, WELL WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THEM ?? MISGUIDED PERHAPS, POSSIBLY JUST STUPID. ANYWAY, THIS KID BROUGHT ON HIS OWN GRIEF BY BEING ARROGANT WHEN HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN HUMBLE DURING A SERIOUS TIME IN HIS LIFE.
Thursday, May 29 at 9:48 AM Sarah wrote ...
Why don't you all ask Jade what she was doing mere weeks when she got out of the hospital? .... Oh, right - she was riding motorcycles with guys and posting the pictures all over MySpace...she seems to be doing pretty good for herself, doesnt she?
Thursday, May 29 at 8:51 AM Bob in Smithfield wrote ...
I GUESS THAT SUE, ANON, AND DAVE HAVE NEVER HAD OR KNOW ANYONE HURT BY A DRUNK DRIVER, IT'S OBVIOUS BY THEIR LAME COMMENTS THAT MAKE EXCUSES FOR THIS KID. OH..HE MADE A MISTAKE, HE'S A GOOD KID...THATS GREAT, WHAT ABOUT THE GOOD KID WHO ALMOST GOT KILLED ??? YOU IDIOTS WOULD BE SCREAMING IF ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY GOT WACKED BY A DRUNK ! YOUR ALL IGNORANT AND YOUR ALL HYPOCRITS WORST OF ALL.
Thursday, May 29 at 8:33 AM Jane wrote ...
And Dave.....what are you, 12 yrs old? Should Robert from pawtucket feel bad for referring to Mr Lipton when he happens to no longer be w/us? Give me a break.
Thursday, May 29 at 8:31 AM Jane wrote ...
good lord Carlos, do you realize what an utter moron you sound like? "I drink & drive all the time"? Oh ok, you're right, there was nothing wrong w/what he did. the hell w/Jade & her injuries, she'll heal, right? To the posters defending him, are you all Bryant students? Is THIS what that school is turning out these days?
Thursday, May 29 at 7:45 AM LINDA wrote ...
HEY ANON!! GOING TO PRISON IS A GOOD WAY TO STOP DRINKING!!
Thursday, May 29 at 7:43 AM LINDA wrote ...
DRINKING AND DRIVING IS AGAINST THE LAW AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE PUNISHED, IT IS NOT A MISTAKE, IT IS A DELIBERATE ACTION, HE CHOSE TO DRINK AND DRIVE, IF HE WAS SO SMART (GOING TO COLLEGE AND ALL) HE WOULD HAVE MADE A BETTER CHOICE. HE GOT CAUGHT, PAY THE PRICE, I THINK 2 YEARS IS A WALK IN THE PARK, CONSIDERING WHAT HE DID TO JADE COMBIE. HOW IS SHE JASON HAVE YOU CHECKED??
Wednesday, May 28 at 8:14 PM Anonymous wrote ...
Josh Lipton told the judge and court that since the accident he has realized he had an alcohol problem, seeked professional treatment, and stopped drinking. The accident happend October 2006, I saw him at Bear and Grill in Fairfield Connecticut 2 weeks ago drinking. Lipton you are a loser, don't drop the soap.
Wednesday, May 28 at 6:59 PM ACI-Tyrone wrote ...
Cute fish. The time will pass very quick, when he is assigned to my cell.... muahahahaha
Wednesday, May 28 at 6:43 PM Scott wrote ...
Sue, if it were your family member would you have the same opinion. Maybe in the next two years he can think of a better costume.
Wednesday, May 28 at 6:20 PM Dave wrote ...
Well Robert from Pawtucket, Joshua's father is not alive anymore. Who's the ignorant one now?
Wednesday, May 28 at 5:52 PM Carlos wrote ...
I drink and drive all the time it could have been me driving home from rentes a million times, an honest mistake by an honest kid. It was wrong and he should be punished but people don't get two years for murder now a days..
Wednesday, May 28 at 5:14 PM RA wrote ...
He doesn't look very remorseful in the Halloween photo by mocking the fact that he knows he could go to jail for his actions. NOBODY deserves a second chance when it comes to drunk driving. The victims had no chance when this spoiled brat decided to get behind the wheel so why should he get another chance? It doesn't matter how great of a person Joshua is considered by people who know him. Now that he has committed a crime, not a mistake, he deserves to hang. The victims need help now, not him.
Wednesday, May 28 at 5:10 PM Marie, Narragansett wrote ...
What about the VICTIMS of drunk driving accidents? Where is their second chance? Too many lose their lives, or, if they live, the ability to walk, write, process information, attend college, get married, have children...what about their second chance?
Wednesday, May 28 at 3:57 PM Anon wrote ...
Lipton is a good kid. He deserves a second chance just like any of us. Now, he's going to be locked away instead of obtaining proper help, graduating college and contributing to the good of society.
Wednesday, May 28 at 3:43 PM Marie wrote ...
A Mistake? He chose to drink, knowing he was underage and that it was against the law! Then to jokingly pose for drunken Facebook pictures a short time after his actions nearly took someone's life? A mistake? I think not. Why did his friends let him drive? Why didn't anyone take his keys? Why don't people really use a designated driver when they drink? What if the roles were switched and he was hit and nearly killed by a drunk driver? How would you feel about it then?
Wednesday, May 28 at 3:21 PM Jane wrote ...
Sue, Joshua's friends posting here and at projo.com are just coming across as jackasses. Not one word of sorrow or regret has been stated about the young woman who was the victim here. He didn't merely make A MISTAKE, he made many.....ending with his unfortunate choice of a Halloween costume. shame on him for mocking what went on.
Wednesday, May 28 at 2:02 PM Sue, Providence wrote ...
When you don't know what you are talking about or who you are talking about - you should shut your mouth. Ignorant fools are those who post on news sites who have no clue what they are talking about. Joshua Lipton is a great person who made a mistake that anyone could have made, a mistake that many, many people choose to make every weekend. Until you are in such a situation and have to deal with the consequences, you should keep quiet. Everyone makes mistakes - don't sit on a high horse.
Wednesday, May 28 at 12:33 PM ROBERT in Pawtucket wrote ...
JOSHUA LIPTON, what a cute name ! I bet Mr and Mrs.Lipton are just as cute. They obviously have raised a complete and total ignorant fool as a son. He looks really worried about his pending situation in this photo doesn't he ?
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