Plea deal sought in puppy torture [View All]

[BigBearJohn]

A West Valley man charged with assaulting his girlfriend and torturing her puppy on two separate occasions, has indicated he is willing to agree to a plea bargain that would bring a prison term.

Anthony Spidle, 21, was charged in March with badly beating his girlfriend's 6-month-old puppy by hitting the animal with a skateboard and a tennis racket, and throwing the puppy against a wall at least five times — while recording the actions on the woman's voice mail for her to hear.

Spidle waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday on one charge each of aggravated assault and cruelty to animals, both third-degree felonies. His next hearing is an arraignment May 7 before 3rd District Judge William Barrett.

Prosecutor Greg Ferbrache said plea negotiations are under way with Spidle's lawyer, and Spidle is expected to plead guilty to one third-degree felony count regarding mistreating the dog and another class A misdemeanor count of attempted aggravated assault in the attack on his girlfriend.

The plea has been discussed but has not been officially placed on record in the courts.

Ferbrache said Spidle's defense attorney, Michael Peterson, and prosecutors have agreed to recommend a prison term of zero-to-five years if the plea deal goes through.

SOURCE: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705300638/Plea-deal-sought-in-puppy-torture.html

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Well -- at least we prosecute torturing puppies (thank God!)