Wrong place -- Judge lectures couple on restaurant antics
By KRISTY DOUGLAS, T-R Staff Writer
A 70-year-old man and 60-year-old woman who had pleaded no contest and were found guilty on public indecency charges for sexual acts performed in a booth at a fast food restaurant were sentenced Wednesday in New Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Judge Mary Wade Space suspended 30-day jail terms and placed both on probation for a year. Both are to undergo any recommended counseling and pay $328 each in fines and court costs. They are married, but not to each other.
The couple was arrested April 23 by New Philadelphia police after Hardee?s employees and customers complained. The restaurant is located at 333 E. High Ave.
Assistant Prosecutor Christine Weimer asked that the judge impose treatment as part of the sentencing because, while this was the first time either person had been charged for public indecency, there was evidence that it was not the first time something similar had happened.
Space said she wondered why the couple chose a public restaurant to engage in the behavior.
?I don?t have any answer for that,? the man replied.
?I don?t either,? the woman added.
Space said she was disturbed because the restaurant is frequented by families with children, and because teenagers work there.
?I can tell you one thing, it?ll never happen again,? the woman promised.
Both defendants apologized for their actions to the court and expressed remorse. However, Space said their apologies should be directed to customers and workers at the restaurant that day.
?It?s more to the community,? Space said. ?That?s who was offended.?
By KRISTY DOUGLAS, T-R Staff Writer
A 70-year-old man and 60-year-old woman who had pleaded no contest and were found guilty on public indecency charges for sexual acts performed in a booth at a fast food restaurant were sentenced Wednesday in New Philadelphia Municipal Court.
Judge Mary Wade Space suspended 30-day jail terms and placed both on probation for a year. Both are to undergo any recommended counseling and pay $328 each in fines and court costs. They are married, but not to each other.
The couple was arrested April 23 by New Philadelphia police after Hardee?s employees and customers complained. The restaurant is located at 333 E. High Ave.
Assistant Prosecutor Christine Weimer asked that the judge impose treatment as part of the sentencing because, while this was the first time either person had been charged for public indecency, there was evidence that it was not the first time something similar had happened.
Space said she wondered why the couple chose a public restaurant to engage in the behavior.
?I don?t have any answer for that,? the man replied.
?I don?t either,? the woman added.
Space said she was disturbed because the restaurant is frequented by families with children, and because teenagers work there.
?I can tell you one thing, it?ll never happen again,? the woman promised.
Both defendants apologized for their actions to the court and expressed remorse. However, Space said their apologies should be directed to customers and workers at the restaurant that day.
?It?s more to the community,? Space said. ?That?s who was offended.?
