NORWICH – A case with domestic violence overtones played out in Chenango County Court last week, involving a plea that left both sides angry with the outcome.

Twenty one-year-old Robert A. Mowers II pleaded guilty to felony second degree reckless endangerment, in an Alford plea, over allegations that he attacked and beat his long-time girlfriend, causing multiple fractures to her jaw and chipping her teeth. The Alford plea, allowed by New York state law, acknowledges no wrongdoing on the part of the defendant, yet accepts punishment for the crime in lieu of a trial.

Mowers was arrested after the April 18, 2008 incident, outside of a Drake Lane apartment in New Berlin, recently rented by the couple.

“You’re not admitting anything, you’re just pleading guilty in the technical legal sense,” explained Defense Attorney Scott Clippinger.

Madison County Court Judge Donald Cerio accepted Mowers’ plea arrangement with the District Attorney’s Office and sentenced him to one year interim probation. If successfully completed, one year from July 1, the court could reconvene and allow Mowers to plead to a reduced misdemeanor instead. However, District Attorney Joseph McBride reminded Mowers that if he violates any of the terms of his probation in that time, he faces up to seven years in state prison.

The terms include staying away from the victim and seeking alcohol abuse counseling, among other requirements. The judge also issued a year long order of protection, saying another would later be issued when the court returned to review the case that would be the longest allowed by New York state law.

Originally Mowers was charged with first degree reckless endangerment, a Class D felony, for allegedly “creating a grave risk of death” to the victim and first degree unlawful imprisonment, a Class E felony, for holding her against her will.

Clippinger told the court that the victim in the case was prone to anxiety blackouts, mental distress and had been arrested on a prior occasion for making false statements to police. He said it was his client’s position that the woman collapsed and injured herself and then blamed Mowers for the injuries because she was vindictive over their relationship.

Clippinger pointed out that his client took the victim to the hospital following the incident. Clippinger also admitted that the two had a turbulent personal relationship since they were in high school.

However, the victim in the case, who gave permission for her name to be published, 20-year-old Logan Adsit, claimed she was attacked from behind by Mowers, who was her boyfriend at the time, and choked to unconsciousness. She said when she awoke she had a broken jaw and other injuries that she suspected were the result of a beating given to her by Mowers.