A North Platte man, who could possibly hold the record for DUI convictions in Nebraska, will spend the next five to ten years in prison.

Richard Smith was sentenced in Lincoln County District Court on Monday.

Police stopped Smith in May, after he was observed driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen.

When officers made contact with Smith, they believed he was under the influence of alcohol, a suspicion that was confirmed by a breath test and a series of field sobriety tests.

Smith was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, and possession of stolen property.  He also had an open container in the vehicle.

Smith reached a plea deal with prosecutors.

Prior to sentencing, Deputy Lincoln County Attorney, Austin Leighty, told the court that Smith was charged with his ninth offense DUI, but stated that he had several convictions that were too old to consider when filing charges.

Leighty asked for a lengthy prison sentence.

Smith’s attorney, Blaine Gillette, then addressed the court, saying that Smith made no excuses for his actions, and admitted that he was an alcoholic.

Before sentencing Smith, Lincoln County District Court Judge, Richard Birch, told Smith that his driving record may be the worst that he has seen in his over 35-year career practicing law.

Birch noted that, by his count, Smith had 12 or 13 convictions for DUI, dating back to 1976, a conviction for motor-vehicle homicide and had been to the State Penitentiary twice.

Birch said it didn’t appear that Smith had done anything to try to overcome his addiction to alcohol.

He then sentenced Smith to not less than five or more than 10 years in the custody of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

He also revoked Smith’s license for 15-years, and gave him credit for 174 days already served in jail.

Smith was remanded to the custody of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to await transport to Lincoln.