Judge puts brakes on 93-year-old Peabody driver

PEABODY – A judge Thursday ordered a 93-year-old Brooksby Village resident not to drive his car while awaiting court action for ramming into the front door of the Wal-Mart department store on Route 114 in Danvers and injuring a mother and child.Louis Vesprini, 93, pleaded innocent in Salem District Court to a charge of negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Judge Richard Mori allowed Vesprini to remain free on his own recognizance and continued the case until Dec. 3 for a pre-trial hearing.The judge also ordered Vesprini not to drive while his case is pending and imposed a bail warning. The elderly man’s license was revoked by the state Registry of Motor Vehicles after the Danvers Police Department requested that Vesprini be deemed an immediate threat, according to Steve O’Connell, spokesman for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.Vesprini was allegedly behind the wheel of his Toyota Camry on June 2, 2009, when it went through the front door of the Wal-Mart store. The crash injured a 25-year-old Gloucester mother and her 1-year-old daughter who were among shoppers near the door. The baby underwent surgery for her facial and head injuries, O’Connell said.The prosecutor’s office was represented at Thursday’s arraignment by Assistant District Attorney Colleen Cashman. Attorney Paul Markham of Melrose represented Vesprini.The maximum sentence for negligent operation of a motor vehicle is two years in the House of Correction.