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.

Back

to News Home Page | Back

to the top of the page