Man accused in school parking lot beating to represent himself in court

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) – Ignoring the advice of both the judge and his court-appointed attorney, Uriah K. Harris decided to exercise his constitutional rights and represent himself during his upcoming trial. The decision was reached during a Thursday court hearing in Goochland.

Harris is accused of beating his ex-girlfriend in the parking lot of Goochland Middle School in December 2012. The woman taught at the school.

The attorney who represented Harris during Thursday’s hearing will be on standby during the two-day trial scheduled to start Oct. 31.

Harris is due back in court Oct. 25 for a motions hearing.

He is charged with attempted murder, malicious bodily injury, felony domestic battery and a misdemeanor violation of a protective order.