Alexander Scott Whaley

Alexander Scott Whaley, 25, of HC 62, Box PP, Pine Grove, pleaded guilty June 26 to battery, a lesser included offense of his original charge of malicious assault.

For this offense, Whaley was sentenced to six months and one day in prison, with credit for four days served. Whaley is also forbidden to have any further contact with the victim in the case, Leonard Keith Wildman.

When asked what he had done, Whaley stated, “Your honor, I started out by protecting myself and took it too far.”

Karl stated that during January’s trial, Whaley had admitted to hitting and kicking Wildman. Whaley agreed this was true.

Philip Bowser, who was filling in for his father, Earl Bowser Jr., stated that the plea agreement had been discussed with the victim’s family who consented to the agreement, stating they believe it was in the best interest of the victim.

Whaley was to report to jail July 1, 8 a.m.

A domestic battery charge in magistrate court has been dropped, per the terms of the plea agreement.

Whaley’s case had been tried on Jan. 3. After two days of arguments and testimony, a mistrial was declared after the jury failed to reach an agreement in a timely manner.

Whaley had received a one-count indictment from the September 2012 grand jury, charging him with malicious assault. This charge alleges that on or about June 27, Whaley did cause bodily injury to Leonard K. Wildman by striking and kicking him in the face.