"I recognize that the court faces the difficult task of fashioning a sentence for a defendant who -- but for the unconscionably reckless and irresponsible act of igniting pyrotechnic explosives in a tiny, overcrowded nightclub --has no prior criminal history, has accepted criminal responsibility for his actions, and has cooperated with law enforcement, beginning almost immediately after the tragic fire began."

However, said Lynch, "It is the reckless and irresponsible nature of the defendant's conduct...that I believe should drive the court's ultimate sentencing decision. Mr. Biechele's actions contributed to the deaths of 100 unsuspecting and innocent people. He acted callously, carelessly, irresponsibly and criminally. The extent of harm that his conduct caused is incalculable and everlasting. Those left behind will never again experience the lives, laughter, wisdom and love of their loved ones. For these reasons, Mr. Biechele should serve the maximum prison term that could be fashioned in this case."

In his statement, Lynch said expressed sorrow for all of the victims' survivors but said "our resolve to see this case, and the cases of Mr. Biechele's co-defendants through to justice, remains deeper."

Biechele's co-defendants, Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, the owners of The Station, have each pleaded not-guilty to 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter and are to be tried separately, beginning July 31.

The Feb. 20, 2003, fire at the West Warwick club killed 100 people and injured about 200.

-- Journal staff writer Tracy Breton