Retired Pittsburgh Steeler Mel Blount, who currently operates a youth home in Claysville, Washington County, was sincere in calling for a "second chance" for a three-time drunk-driving convict.

But that sincerity was misguided. "Another chance" for the driver in question, Bruce Stanko, 52, of Hampton Township, Allegheny County, could have been the basis for another traffic accident like the one on Jan. 18, 2005, in which a Butler County woman, Linda Jenkins, and her unborn child died.

Although being found not guilty of homicide by vehicle in a three-day jury trial in July, Stanko was convicted on two counts of drunken driving. After the accident, Stanko's blood-alcohol level was found to be 0.21 percent, which is more than double the state's legal limit of 0.08 percent.

On the day of the accident, Stanko had been drinking in violation of a condition imposed by Allegheny County Court in connection with another case. Then he compounded that disregard of the court order by driving his car and putting himself in the position of being involved in the crash with Jenkins' car.

His DUI record should result in permanent revocation of his driving privilege. And, if it can be legally accomplished, he should forever be forbidden to own a car, rent a car or borrow a car.

His inability to abide by court orders necessitates such extraordinary measures. And Butler County Judge George Hancher, who presided over Stanko's July trial, was correct in jailing Stanko now, rather than allowing him to remain free while appealing his 1- to 5-year prison sentence, even though it is customary for courts to first allow the appeals process to run its course.

Judging from past experience, there could be no guarantee that Stanko would not succumb to the temptation to drink and drive again.

Blount ignored that point in expressing the opinion that "I do believe people deserve second chances."

Stanko had his second chance after his first DUI conviction. The courts shouldn't grant third chances to those who are unable to learn a lesson by way of a first mistake.

Blount's five minutes of comments prior to Hancher issuing his ruling were correct regarding the need for rehabilitation in the community and how that happens at Claysville's Mel Blount Youth Home.

But Blount was incorrect in suggesting a window of freedom for Stanko at this time.

Meanwhile, Butler County District Attorney Randa Clark merits praise for strongly objecting to Stanko's request to remain free.

"If we don't learn from the mistake made by Allegheny County, then shame on us," Clark said.

To his credit, Stanko, who reportedly owns a pharmaceutical company, already has settled a civil lawsuit with Jenkins' family for $2.7 million. But money won't bring back Jenkins and her child, nor will it take away the family's pain.

A no-lenience-for-drunken-driving policy must be the standard in Butler County Court. Hancher delivered such a message in his ruling regarding Stanko.

Blount was sincere — but wrong.