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Twelve years in prison for man who took out the eye of another man

By Howard B. Owens

A man who admitted his assault cost another man his eye will serve 12 years in prision, Judge Robert Noonan ruled this morning.

Christopher Preedom was the apparent leader of a three-person group that broke into a Woodstock Gardens apartment and attacked a resident there.

The victim read a statement asking Noonan to show leniency for Preedom, but District Attorney Lawrence Friedman cast doubt upon that request indicting he had information to suggest the victim's plea was based on fear of retaliation.

"While it may be considered noble that the victim is asking for leniency here," Friedman said, "...this defendant (Preedom) has already received a substantial break, being allowed to plea down from a Class B felony, under which he faced 25 years in prison."

Preedom asked for the victim's forgiveness.

"I've committed a crime...I know I've messed up...I made a mistake," Preedom said tearfully. "I'm willing to face the consequences."

Noonan offered little sympathy.

"The problem is: even if (the victim) is appearing here as your very best friend," the judge said, "you have still committed a crime against society that is horrendous. You took out a person's eye in the most horrific way."

(Based on the report of Geoff Redick, WBTA)

Kyle Couchman

Gary, why does it matter. The full report from Geoff Redick on WBTA says the victim's full name. Besides I can tell you for a fact that everyone involved in their circles knows all the details of what happened. Its no secret who the victim is to both the victims friends and family or the family and friends of the perpetrators of this crime. Hasn't been for months now.

Feb 27, 2012, 5:48pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

It could go either way. He spoke in public court. I didn't intend to use his name, but if I had, could make an argument in favor of using it.

We have used victims in the past and imagine there will be times in the future where we will. Rochester and Buffalo media seem to use victim's names on a regular basis.

Feb 27, 2012, 7:21pm Permalink
Gary Spencer

I assuemed that you didn't intend to because the story was from wbta, and I could probably understand either side of the argument, but I guess I think we should still protect crime victems.....but thank you gain for editing it out! :)

Feb 27, 2012, 7:56pm Permalink
Janice Stenman

I am tired of criminals who claim they made a mistake. I he hadn't been caught, would he have turned himself in to the police? I think not. I'm sure he is sorry for what he did, but I am willing to bet the thing he's most sorry for getting caught.

Feb 27, 2012, 8:29pm Permalink

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