Springfield man jailed on assault charges
By Josh O'Gorman, Staff Writer
Rutland Herald - Published: June 25, 2009
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — A Springfield man was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for assaulting a woman over dinner.
Arthur Huston, 54, pleaded guilty Tuesday in White River Junction District Court to felony first-degree aggravated domestic assault and a misdemeanor charge of violating an abuse prevention order.
Court records state Springfield police responded to Huston's Town Farm Road residence Sept. 1 after a woman called complaining Huston had assaulted her after being told he was making a mess eating his corn and needed to fix his teeth.
Police later observed a bruise on her arm and a scratch on her neck, records state, and according to witness statements Huston had been drinking throughout the day. Huston's victim was in court Tuesday, and said he needed counseling for alcohol and psychological issues, not incarceration.
Huston was previously convicted of second-degree aggravated domestic assault in 2002.
"He never learned how to live outside of jail," the victim told Judge Theresa DiMauro.
Huston pleaded innocent to the assault charge Sept. 2 and was held on $5,000 bail at Springfield Prison, where he remained until Tuesday's change of plea. His incarceration did not prevent him from additional charges.
Huston was instructed to not contact his victim, but on Jan. 9, he called her from prison to discuss sending her money. The victim called police and Huston was charged with violating an abuse prevention order.
DiMauro told the victim that because of his prior conviction for a similar crime, Huston would have to serve some time.
Deputy State's Attorney Eric Lopez said the plea agreement was crafted to allow Huston access to the counseling he needs. Under the agreement, Huston was sentenced to 22 months to 10 years in prison, with credit for the 10 months he has been behind bars.
In a brief statement, Huston apologized to both the victim and the court.
http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009906250347
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