BISBEE — A man was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison during a hearing in Cochise County Superior Court on Tuesday for committing felony assault against a woman on June in Hereford.
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On June 20, Dempsey hit the victim in the face, knocking her to the ground. He continued to punch her in the face and body. He also pulled the telephone wires from the outside wall of her house, according to a pre-sentence report.
The agreement called for a presumptive term of two years and six months. Judge Wallace Hoggatt could have sentenced Dempsey to as little as one year or as much as three years and nine months. Hoggatt opted for the maximum. Dempsey also must pay $6,060 in restitution. Deputy County Attorney Cheri Hatanaka said Dempsey is a danger to society, and especially to the victim.
In April 2003, the defendant was sentenced to three years in prison for attempted aggravated assault against the same victim, according to the pre-sentence report.
During the sentencing hearing, the victim asked the court to give Dempsey a strong sentence. She said the three-year prison term the defendant previously served did not make him a better person.
The victim said she is having a hard time getting her life back on track. She feels like she wants to be alone, but she is afraid to be alone. She said he has threatened to kill her. “I am scared to death of him,” she said.
Dempsey told the court he is truly sorry for his actions and he cares deeply for the victim. He said he never threatened to kill her.
He acknowledged he has anger management and alcohol problems. He said he would like to address those issues.
Kimberly Hunley, the defense attorney, pointed out that members of the community appeared in court in support of Dempsey, including his former employer, his landlord and others.
Pursuant to the plea agreement, the court dismissed another count of aggravated assault.
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