Jon Jones pleads guilty in hit-and-run case, granted conditional discharge
Jon Jones pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of leaving the scene of an accident in a New Mexico courtroom, but was granted a conditional discharge, according to multiple news agencies.
Jones was involved in a hit-and-run incident in April, and stripped of his UFC light heavyweight title after being suspended.
Jones was given up to 18 months of supervised probation, and was ordered to make 72 appearances for charity or youth outreach.
"Mr. Jones, you got real lucky, in a number of ways," Judge Charles Brown said. "I think you need to talk to young people because making one stupid decision changes your entire future."
Jones was seemingly contrite during his Tuesday hearing.
"I am here to accept full responsibility for what happened, and I hope you can give me an opportunity to redeem myself," he said.
Jones faced up to three years in prison had he been convicted. He collided with a pregnant woman's car, and fled the scene on foot after removing cash from the rented SUV he was driving, according to witnesses. Police found documents inside the car that identified Jones, along with marijuana. Jones turned himself in to Albuquerque authorities.
Jones released the following statement after his court appearance:
My actions have caused pain and inconvenience in the lives of others and for that I am truly sorry and I accept full responsibility. I have been working hard during this time away from my sport to grow and mature as a man and to ensure that nothing like this happens again. I have learned a great deal from this situation and I am determined to emerge a better person because of it.
In May, UFC president Dana White, who attended Tuesday's hearing, said Jones would fight for the title upon the end of his suspension. Current light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier will put his title on the line Saturday against Alex Gustafsson at UFC 192.
There's no word yet as to what Tuesday's legal decision means for Jones' fighting future.