Man given probation in attempted strangulation

A man accused of attempting to strangle a waitress in March at a local restaurant was sentenced to probation Monday in District Court.

William Todd Baker, 49, of 1105 W. Second, pleaded no contest to the amended charge of strangulation, a Class IV felony, with the two Class I misdemeanor charges of third degree assault dismissed.

He was placed on 30 months probation with the warning from District Court Judge David Urbom that if he violated any conditions of his probation, "you will go directly to jail."

Urbom said Baker needed to take responsibility for his actions and to quit blaming others for his problems.

He cited Baker's history of drug and alcohol problems and referred to Baker's 22-year record of offenses, included two felonies that were drug- or alcohol-related, along with two stints at an in-patient treatment program and being placed on probation three times.

He also took issue with Baker finding fault with his court-appointed attorney, Ryan Wilcox, for not doing certain things and blaming the victim of his assault as violent

"You need to say 'I'm the one who deserves to be punished,' not blame someone else," Urbom said.

In a statement to the judge before sentencing, Baker said he has never been a violent person and can't remember the incident.

"I haven't had a problem getting along with people, I just don't think I'm capable of doing that," he said of the alleged assault.

Wilcox said his client would be a good candidate for probation as he is willing to do what is asked of him in probation and has successfully completed probation in the past. Wilcox added that since the incident, Baker has been attending AA meetings and has maintained sobriety

Red Willow County Attorney Paul Wood recommended probation only with strict consequences.

If Baker is found to have consumed any amount of alcohol during probation, Wood recommended that he be sent to the penitentiary for five years.

"This is his last chance to sober up and knock this off," Wood said.