Drunk driver gets 10 to 20 for killing Philly motorcycle cop

THE BUCKS COUNTY man who pleaded guilty in October to third-degree murder for killing a Philadelphia Highway Patrol officer in a 2012 drunken-driving crash was sentenced yesterday to 10 to 20 years in state prison.

John Leck, 48, was also sentenced by Common Pleas Judge M. Teresa Sarmina to serve 10 years of reporting probation after he is released and to pay $16,000 in restitution and fines.

Leck also will not be allowed to drive while under court supervision, the judge ordered.

The former Levittown bill collector with no prior criminal history was driving drunk the wrong way on Interstate 95 in the wee hours of July 8, 2012, when he crashed into and killed Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Brian Lorenzo, 48, who was riding his police motorcycle on his way home.

The 23-year veteran officer, husband and father of three died at the crash scene, just south of the Cottman Avenue exit.

His wife, Linda Lorenzo, has filed a civil lawsuit against Leck and the Bensalem T.G.I. Friday's restaurant, which she claims served him multiple drinks leading up to the fatal crash at 3:15 a.m. Leck's blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit allowable to drive, authorities have said.

Leck, who pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, could have received a maximum sentence of 25 to 50 years in state prison.

His attorney, Michael K. Parlow, said at the time of the plea that he was hoping for a sentence of six to 20 years behind bars.

"He made the decision to spare the officer's family the emotion of going through a trial. He wanted to take responsibility for his actions, and he also wanted to show that he is remorseful," Parlow said in October.