GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) -- The man convicted of beating his ex-girlfriend in the parking lot of the school where she worked was formally sentenced Tuesday morning.
A judge took the jury's recommendation and sentenced Uriah Harris to 16 years in prison.
Harris was found guilty of malicious bodily injury for attacking his ex-girlfriend outside Goochland Middle School on Dec. 12, 2012.
During Tuesday's hearing, Harris once again represented himself. He had made a motion that the charge he was convicted of be dismissed, but the judge denied the motion.
During argument, the Commomwealth argued that the beating “could have had a different outcome; a much worse one.” They called it distributing that the assault happened in a school parking lot.
According to the Commonwealth, Harris showed a history of violence in his relationship with the victim.
In turn, Harris argued on his own behalf. He apologized to the victim, her family, and his own family. Harris claims he was suffering from some sort of mental health issue at the time of the attack.
Of the assault, he said, “I have two young kids. In my right mind, I wouldn’t do that.” Harris added he wants to right his wrong, but needs help.
After he was sentenced, Harris appealed the court’s ruling. That means the execution of his punishment will be delayed until the appeal is over; however, Harris was not given the chance for bail. He was appointed Duncan Reid as his attorney for the appeal.
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