THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 26, 1996 TAG: 9606260389
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: 31 lines
A 40-year-old Wanchese man pleaded guilty Tuesday to charges stemming from a November 1995 domestic dispute.
Milton Wayne Riley was scheduled to go on trial for the beating and abduction of his wife, 33-year-old Sarah Riley. Instead, he pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping, and assault with intent to injure.
Riley was arrested by Currituck County authorities on Nov. 28, 1995, after he was spotted driving a car with a flat tire near a beach access. When deputies stopped the car to offer assistance, Sarah Riley jumped from the front seat and asked for help.
Prosecutors claimed that Milton Riley beat his wife with his fists, then tied her up and had put her in the trunk of his car. She suffered injuries to her head, neck and arms.
Under North Carolina sentencing guidelines, Riley will serve a minimum of two years and four months in jail for each of the charges. The sentences, handed down by First District Superior Court Judge Jerry Tillett, will run consecutively.
Assistant District Attorney Jeff Cruden said, ``We think it's a fair sentence based on his previous record.''
Riley's attorney, Susan Scott, said, ``There was some evidence that came to light that caused him to change his plea.'' She declined to elaborate.
Riley was also required to pay $420.99 in restitution, and $2,500 in legal fees for his court-appointed attorney. by CNB