Sunday, September 29, 2002

Jury finds man guilty of battering woman

A former Brooks resident was found guilty Tuesday of simple battery and cruelty to children for an altercation with his long-time live-in girlfriend during an argument at the couple's residence in June of last year.

The jury also found Richard Todd Bates not guilty of aggravated assault, criminal trespassing and a second count of simple battery.

During the trial, Bates admitted to grabbing the victim by the arms and pushing her down. He claimed he did so to keep her from attacking him with a broomstick.

Bates will be sentenced at a later date.

The victim had testified that Bates held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her. The attack took place in front of the couple's children in June last year, which is what precipitated the cruelty to children charge.

- John Munford

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