Man gets suspended sentence in explosion case

TORRINGTON — A city man was sentenced to serve three and a half years in prison Friday in Superior Court as he pleaded guilty to a sale of narcotics charge.

Brian J. Bingham, then 42, of Torrington, was arrested July 14 after a Torrington detective observed a hand-to-hand drug transaction take place on South Main Street, police said.

Two people seen engaging in the transaction with Bingham were later found in possession of 16 bags of heroin. Bingham was charged with sale of certain illegal drugs and possession of narcotics, police said.

State’s Attorney David Shannon said Bingham had concealed two to three bags of heroin on his person and was found to have snorted one while in police custody.

Bingham pleaded guilty to a substitute charge of sale of narcotics Friday as part of an agreement with the state. Under the terms of the deal struck Friday, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison, suspended after 42 months, with three years probation.

Attorney James Longwell said Bingham had developed an issue with narcotics after a 2014 car accident and was not a high-level drug dealer.

“He’s had a tough road to hoe,” said Longwell.

Judge John A. Danaher III said Bingham would be barred from associating with drug users and dealers as part of the terms of his probation.

“Good luck Mr. Bingham,” said Danaher. “I hope things work out.”