
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, August 6, 1993                   TAG: 9308060154
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MANASSAS                                LENGTH: Short

MUTILATED MAN ARRAIGNED ON MARITAL ASSAULT CHARGE

A man whose wife cut off his penis in what she said was retaliation for rape was arraigned Thursday on a charge of marital sexual assault.

John Wayne Bobbitt, 26, appeared in court a day after his wife, Lorena, had a preliminary hearing on a malicious wounding charge. Both face up to 20 years in prison.

Bobbitt appeared to have no difficulty walking, standing or sitting during his arraignment. His penis was reattached in an operation that lasted more than nine hours. Doctors say his prognosis for full recovery is good.

Lorena Bobbitt, 24, said her husband came home late from his job as a nightclub bouncer on June 23 and raped her. After he pushed her away and fell asleep, she said, she cut off his penis.

John Wayne Bobbitt, who refused to comment after appearing in court, pleaded innocent to the charge. He was freed on $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

His trial was set for Sept. 27. Lorena Bobbitt's case was set for review by a grand jury Sept. 7.

Both Bobbitts have filed for divorce. The couple had longstanding marital problems and had lived apart for much of their four-year marriage.

by CNB