Man gets year in jail for conviction in Steve Utash beating

DETROIT – A man who pleaded guilty in a mob attack on Steve Utash has been sentenced to a year in jail.

James Davis received his sentence Thursday in Wayne County court.

"I would like to apologize to Steve Utash and his family," Davis said. "I want to apologize to society. I really want you to give me a second chance ... I don't want my whole life to be judged on that one moment."

Judge James Callahan said he felt that Davis was truly remorseful and ordered him to five years of probation -- the first year will be served in jail.

What happened

Utash was beaten April 2 when he got out of his car to check on a 10-year-old boy who had darted out in front of his pickup truck.

Police have said the 54-year-old Clinton Township resident wasn't at fault for hitting the boy, who wasn't seriously hurt.

Witnesses have said up to a dozen people beat Utash. He spent more than a week in a medically induced coma.

Five people, including one juvenile, have been charged.

Davis, 24, took a plea deal, pleading guilty to an assault charge.

Sentencing for a fellow defendant, 19-year-old Latrez Cummings, had been scheduled for Thursday as well, but Callahan delayed it a week to clear up an issue about his schooling.

Wonzey Saffold, 30, was sentenced last week to six to 10 years in prison.

Bruce Wimbush, 18, was ordered to three years of probation and drug testing.

Separately, a 17-year-old boy who was charged in Juvenile Court, pleaded guilty to an assault charge and is awaiting his sentencing.


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