Booking photo for Courtney Wood (Courtesy: Cache County Jail).
LOGAN — A 32-year-old Logan man has been sentenced to jail after confessing to severely beating a woman and threatening to shoot her. Courtney Wood has been in jail since being arrested last year and held without bail.
Wood was sentenced in 1st District Court Monday afternoon. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated assault, a second-degree felony; a second count of aggravated assault and attempted kidnapping, both third-degree felonies; and domestic violence in the presence of a child, a class A misdemeanor.
In May, police were called to Intermountain Logan Regional Hospital. The victim appeared like she had been severely beaten. She had swelling and bruising all over her face, and her eyes were swollen to the point that she could not see out of them. The officer documented that she was unrecognizable from her driver license photo.
The woman told officers that she had gotten into an argument with Wood, her live in boyfriend. He got upset and went into a fit of rage after she received several text messages from another man.
Wood grabbed her phone and broke it. He then repeatedly beat her for several hours and threatened her with a shot gun and revolver.
During Monday’s sentencing, defense attorney Wayne Caldwell said Wood doesn’t remember the assault because he blacked out after drinking and taking methamphetamine. He also explained that even though the victim had severe bruises, his client didn’t break any bones and the gun used was not loaded.
Cache County Deputy Attorney Dane Murray said whether Wood blacked out or not didn’t matter and deserved a prison sentence. He noted the defendant’s criminal history and said the assault was horrific.
Wood spoke briefly, stating that going to jail after the assault had saved his life. He acknowledged that his behavior was unacceptable but asked not to be sent to prison, so he could continue seeking help for his addictions.
Judge Angela Fonnesbeck told Wood, she believed people are redeemable, no matter how low they go. She said, his actions were unacceptable and not permitted in our society.
Wood was ordered to serve one year in jail but given credit for the 231 days he had previously served. He will also be on probation for 36 months.
Judge Fonnesbeck warned Wood, he is being placed on a very short leash. She explained that she would send him to prison if he breaks any further laws or violates probation.
will@cvradio.com