35 year old Michael Arnold, aka "Crazy" who has 15 convictions, got his 16th today when he was found guilty of burglary and was sentenced to 5 years.
#8 Court Magistrate Emmerson Banner who imposed the sentence, stipulated that it should run concurrently to a sentence of 18 months Arnold is serving.
The burglary occurred around 2 am on September 19th, 2010 at the residence of Martha Palma, located in Ladyville. Palma testified that she was awakened from sleep by her daughter who told her something. She said when she went downstairs she saw Arnold struggling with her son, Patrick Palma.
She said that Patrick and others overpowered Arnold and tied him up until the police arrived. Patrick testified and said Arnold escaped during the struggle and ran into the bushes. He said he and others caught Arnold and they beat him and tied him up with electrical wires.
Arnold testified and admitted that he was in the house but claimed that he went there to seek refuge from Patrick Palma and his friends who were beating him.
Arnold said that they chopped him on his left index finger and crippled it. Arnold said he and the Palmas are partners and they began to dislike him after he broke off the relationship.
