Install

Get the latest updates as we post them — right on your browser

Today's paper. Last Updated: 06/01/2012

Gillooly Sentenced In Kerrigan Assault

PORTLAND, Oregon -- Tonya Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, has been sentenced to two years in prison, drawing the harshest punishment of the five defendants in the attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan.


In wrapping up the criminal prosecution of the bizarre case that captured America's attention early this year, District Attorney Michael Schrunk urged reduction of the sentence to one year because of Gillooly's cooperation with investigators.


But presiding Circuit Judge Donald Londer said Wednesday he would stand by the terms of the original plea agreement that he accepted when Gillooly pleaded guilty to racketeering Feb. 1. The sentence included a $100,000 fine.


Londer cited the seriousness of the offense and the fact that Gillooly was the plot's "driving force."


"You are a prime example of how ruthless ambition and raw greed can disrupt, degrade and disfigure a sport of grace even to the height of the Olympics," Londer told Gillooly.


Moments earlier, Gillooly apologized to Kerrigan, though he added that "any apology coming from me rings hollow."


"I would say to anyone who is considering entering into a desperate act such as I did to think again," Gillooly said. "Because I didn't, I'm going to prison."


In Stoneham, Massachusetts, Kerrigan's mother brushed away tears as she watched a videotape of Gillooly's apology.


"He probably is like most criminals. He's sorry because he got caught," Brenda Kerrigan told WBZ television of Boston.


Nancy's father, Dan Kerrigan, said he hoped the sentencing would end a painful episode in his family's life.


Shawn Eckardt, Shane Stant and Derrick Smith each received 18-month prison sentences with no fines. Eckardt pleaded guilty to racketeering. Stant and Smith admitted to conspiracy to commit second-degree assault. Harding, the only one of the five who did not go to jail, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to hinder prosecution. She was sentenced to three years' probation and 500 hours of community service and fined $160,000.


Gillooly admitted that he plotted with Eckardt to injure Kerrigan to knock her out of U.S. Figure Skating Championships, clearing the way for Harding to win and qualify for the Olympics.


Stant struck Kerrigan above the right knee with a metal police baton Jan. 6 after her workout in Detroit, where the U.S. championships were being held.


Two nights later, with Kerrigan out because of the injury, Harding won the title.




This article has no comments.

Be the first to leave a comment


Discussion
The Moscow Times welcomes your comments and invites you to discuss topics with other readers. Your comment will be posted automatically to enable a live discussion. If you aren't familiar with our comments policy, you can read it here.

If you're a registered user, you can start typing your comment below. If not, take a moment to sign up. and then return to the article.

If your comment doesn't appear, contact us by using our web form.

Comments

Comments via Facebook



print


Comments

This article has no comments.

Be the first to leave a comment





Most Read
 

12 Years Ago Today the Church Moved Closer to Canonization

Array
Ending years of impassioned discussions that have at times threatened to split the Russian Orthodox Church, officials said this week that the church will canonize Tsar Nicholas II and his family in August.