Court Watching: Judge Parrott allows victim to speak after sentencing complete

The felony charge of assault with a dangerous weapon (felonious assault) was pled down to a misdemeanor in a case where Khalil Hussein Hassan, 34, threw a glass mug at a man, cutting him on the cheek. The incident happened in the City of Romulus on May 20.
Hassan pled no contest to the lesser charge on Oct. 26, disposing of the case at district court. He had been out on $20,000 personal recognizance bond.
On Dec. 7, the case that was over was brought back to life.
34th District Court Judge David Parrott was asked by the Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor, representing the People, to amend the already imposed sentence of a fine and 12 months probation after which time the charge would be wiped from his record.
Hassan’s attorney Hassan Hamade asked Judge Parrott if he could approach the bench with the prosecutor for a sidebar discussion in private with the judge.
After the sidebar, a disgusted Judge Parrott explained that the People made a motion to amend the sentence. He said that an immediate sentence had been imposed pursuant to a full, completed plea agreement.
Now, Judge Parrott continued, the Prosecutor says that was an error because the victim did not have opportunity to address the court before sentencing.
“I am unaware of any authority allowing me to vacate the sentence,” an irritated Judge Parrott said. “I will listen to the victim at this time.”
The victim said he felt the sentence was too light, with 12 months probation and then wiped from his attacker’s record.
“There will be a scar on my face for the rest of my life. It’s afflicting my family,” he said.
“He threw the glass cup in my face and it broke. Why should I have a scar on my face and he has nothing? He should have a permanent blemish on his record. He will do this again. He reached out to others to intimidate me to drop the charges. He injured somebody.
“I did not have anything to do with him. One of his friends and I had a minor disagreement and then he threw the cup. I think he probably will repeat the offense because he thinks that’s the way the court works. I was not here to speak at the sentencing. I was out in the hall waiting,” he concluded.
“The error lies with the People, not the court,” Judge Parrott explained. “Unless the defendant wishes to withdraw the plea.” Attorney Hamade said they did not wish to withdraw from the plea deal.
“The motion of the People is denied,” Judge Parrott ordered and said to the victim, “You do have civil remedies.”
“No, I don’t want to do that,” he replied, referring to a law suit.
“You might want to reconsider,” Judge Parrott said.
Christina Louise Astolfi
Christine Louise Astolfi, 31, has two separate charges of first-degree retail fraud against her, both happening on Nov. 26 in Van Buren Township. She was free after posting two bonds of $5,000/10% each.
Astolfi was represented by court-appointed attorney David Lankford who said his client wished to waive preliminary exams on both cases. Judge Parrott bound her over to circuit court for an arraignment on the information on Dec. 21.
Court records show she also has a warrant out for her arrest for first-degree retail fraud on Dec. 2 in Livonia.
Janice Lillian Parker
Janice Lillian Parker, 40, waived her preliminary exam on a charge of larceny in a building on Aug. 15 in VBT. She was brought from the Wayne County Jail for her court appearance.
Judge Parrott bound her over to circuit court for an arraignment on the information on Dec. 14. He also referred her to pretrial services to look at her bond of $2,000/10% which she had been unable to post. She is represented by court appointed attorney Kenneth Waldhorn and another attorney stood him for him at this court session.
Roderick Stephen Burbank
Roderick Stephen Burbank, 62, waived his preliminary exam on a charge of assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer and domestic violence on Oct. 31 in VBT. He is due at circuit court on Dec. 21 for an arraignment on the information.
He is free after posting bond of $10,000/10%. His retained attorney is Arthur Weiss.
Jeffrey Lamont Ingram
Jeffrey Lamont Ingram, 58, waived his preliminary exam on a charge of failure to register as a sex offender in Sumpter Township on July 7.
He was bound over to circuit court for a Dec. 21 arraignment on the information. He is free on $5,000 personal recognizance bond. His court appointed attorney is Dewayne Boyd.
William Calvin Hunt
William Calvin Hunt, 52, waived his preliminary exam on a charge of first-degree retail fraud on Jan. 3 in VBT. He is lodged in the Wayne County Jail with bond of $5,000/10%. He is labeled a habitual offender.
Hunt is due at circuit court on Dec. 14. His retained attorney is Steven A. Menken.