Blaney seeks suspension of sentence on assault conviction

Published 12:00 am Friday, May 9, 2003

VIDALIA &045; A motion on the behalf of police juror Charlie Blaney has been filed to reconsider Judge Leo Boothe’s sentence after being found guilty of three counts of aggravated assault on April 16.

Boothe sentenced Blaney to six months in prison but five of those suspended and 24 months probation, during which time a gun restriction will be enforced unless used for hunting purposes.

Phillip Letard, Blaney’s attorney, filed a motion to suspend all six months because he says Blaney has been an exemplary citizen.

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Letard also included in the motion that since Blaney only has a ninth-grade education level and after a grueling trial, he could not enunciate his sorrow and remorse properly.

Boothe had given Blaney the opportunity to make a formal apology to the victims and their families during the trial but no apology was offered.

Letard is filing a writ application &045; an informal appeal &045; to the Third Circuit Court of Appeal to reconsider the sentence. Letard is asking the Concordia court that 60 days be allowed for the writ to be processed.

If the writ is declined, Blaney will shortly thereafter begin serving his jail time, but until then he is released on a $10,000 bond.

Blaney was found guilty in connection with an incident that occurred Jan. 2, 2002, in which he pointed a gun at three out of 14 teenagers gathered on his field near Vidalia.