Judge Will Consider New Trial for Inmate

Patrick Sherrell, through his attorney Bernard S. Brody, filed a motion for a new trial in Jasper Superior Court Tuesday.

Judge Hulane E. George heard brief arguments then instructed the attorneys to send briefs summarizing their legal argument and she would take them under advisement (render a decision at a later date).

Mr. Sherrell was indicted by a Jasper County Grand Jury on May 25, 2010, on two counts of felonious aggravated assault. At the ensuing trial, represented by Attorney Ronnie Jones, he was convicted by a Jasper County Jury and sentenced to 20 years with 15 years to serve. Since then he has been remanded to the Valdosta State Prison.

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A transcript of Mr. Sherrell’s testimony at the trial revealed that he claimed the female victim was seriously mentally ill and had sustained her injuries (broken arm, bruising to the upper body, face and left eye, scratches and bruising to the stomach, legs, neck and hands) from falling down a set of stairs onto a concrete platform.

At the hearing, Mr. Sherrell’s new attorney provided a claim that Mr. Sherrell had had ineffective assistance of counsel at his trial. He further claimed the verdict to be contrary to evidence and without evidence to support it, to be decidedly and strongly against the weight of the evidence, and contrary to law and the principles of justice and equality.

Also, Rhonda C. Randall pled guilty to two counts of simple battery/family violence, and was sentenced to 12 months to be served on probation, alcohol counseling as mandated by a probation officer, and fines and fees of $594.

One other criminal case was continued, and 12 non-criminal cases were ruled on.