WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – “A good solid upright person” is how lawyers representing Delroy Rodney, the Westmoreland taxi driver who was sentenced to pay a $3-million fine after pleading guilty to causing the death of five people, are describing him.

“Prior to this his record was pristine—he is trying to ensure that the victims and their families don’t feel insulted or left out, so he is trying to make compensation,” said Lambert Johnson, one of Rodney’s attorneys.

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Rodney, who is also a deacon, was handed a non-custodial sentence during his hearing on Thursday.

READ: No prison sentence for Westmoreland cabbie who caused death of 5

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Describing the judge as both wise and merciful Johnson said on behalf of the man’s family he was pleased with the ruling because “there was a real possibility that he could [have gotten] a custodial sentence.”

Rodney’s other attorney Faith Salmon said even the victims had had compassion regarding the cabbie.

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“The sad thing about it is the victims weren’t passengers that he solicited, they called him whenever they wanted to go places. So they themselves at this point in time are feeling sorry for him but they are glad as in regards to the [compensation].”

Johnson said the legal team had gone as far as to get over 160 signatures from community members, including from where the victims lived, on a petition requesting “mercy” for the cabbie.

The money is to be paid out on Friday, the lawyers say.