A Minnetonka Beach man has been sentenced to eight months in the Hennepin County workhouse and 10 years on probation after fatally running over his wife while he was intoxicated.

David Meder, 59, was found guilty of criminal vehicular operation in connection with the death of his wife, Diane, on July 24, 2014. Meder's blood alcohol content at the time, 0.12, exceeded the 0.08 legal limit to drive.

Meder, who had stopped to get mail from his mailbox, was reading it when his wife got out of the car and somehow ended up lying on the driveway. When he pulled into the driveway, he ran over her. Before she died, Diane Meder told paramedics that it was an accident.

Hennepin County District Judge Fred Karasov told Meder that he could be sent to prison for 48 months if he violates the conditions of his probation, which include not drinking alcohol during those 10 years. After serving eight months in the county workhouse, he can apply to have his probation transferred to Ohio, where he has been caring for his brother, who has cancer.

Meder's attorney argued against time in the workhouse, saying his client had no criminal record, was remorseful and didn't see his wife when he ran over her.

Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Sarah Hilleren argued that he should be sentenced to 48 months in prison, saying "his selfish and reckless behavior caused the death of his wife." .