Judge May Reduce Child Sex Assault Sentence

Hopes to rule in about 30 days whether he has authority to reduce sentence of convicted child sex assailant

A New Hampshire judge says he hopes to rule in about 30 days on whether he has the authority to reduce the sentence of a convicted child sex assailant, a position that drew dozens of protesters to a Carroll County courtroom.

The victim, now 15, and family members were flanked Tuesday by domestic violence protesters and leather jacketed members of Bikers Against Child Abuse.

Superior Court Judge David Garfunkel on Sept. 26 sentenced Joshua Baud to 7 ½ years on convictions of sexually assaulting a 7-year-old girl eight years ago.

Four days later, Garfunkel indicated he intends to reduce Baud's sentence to six years.

On Tuesday, Garfunkel heard arguments that he doesn't have the authority to reduce Baud's sentence.

The girl's mother said afterward her daughter is now left waiting.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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