Last Tuesday, a sentencing hearing was held on David Manlove. He was convicted the previous week by a jury of several counts related to the destruction and damage he caused in the course of a burglary of a remote residence in the northern portion of the county. Judge Nielson presided over the hearing. Lech Radzimski represented the state and Paul Wasson of Spokane represented the defendant.

At the sentencing hearing, the homeowner who was the victim of the crime, made an eloquent victims impact statement. She recounted in detail the destroyed items in her home, the wanton destruction to the interior and effect this invasion had on her life. She gave a voice to all the people who suffer similarly as a result of similar crimes.

The state then recounted to the court the previous history of similar conduct of Mr. Manlove and noted that one of his prior victims was present in the courtroom. It was noted that Mr. Manlove has refused treatment for his apparent mental illness. Mr. Radzimski then asked the court to give an exceptional sentence of 10 years, arguing that there appeared no other way to secure the public’s safety from Mr. Manlove.

Mr. Wasson gave a statement on behalf of Mr. Manlove regarding his mental problems and the lack of mental health treatment for him. Mr. Manlove refused to address the court or express any remorse or respond in any way to the moving statement of the impact of the effect of what he had done had on the victim.

After hearing from everyone, Judge Nielson noted that Mr. Manlove showed no remorse for his actions. The judge mentioned his pattern of similar crime in the past, his conduct in the court room at trial by refusing to change from the striped jail jumpsuit or have his shackles removed indicated his contempt for the process and that his conduct toward the victim by continually staring at her during the trial and sentencing showed what was in his heart toward her. The judge reasoned that his actions during the crime and afterward showed his malignant intentions toward her.

Judge Nielson said he would follow the recommendations of the state and sentenced Mr. Manlove to every day he could; 120 months followed by what ever time was remaining of a current violation of a previous sentence. Mr. Manlove then gave notice of his intention to Appeal. He was sent to prison the next day. I say, good riddance to Mr. Manlove.

It is important to remember the courage shown by this victim and all the other victims of crime by hanging in there for the long time it takes to bring someone to justice for what they have done. There are many delays in the process. Clever defense attorneys create issues that must be overcome. The victim is sometimes forced to sit through multiple interviews. Without the courage of the victim the process would fail and people could not be held accountable. I also thank the victim and witness advocates for their dedication to victims and the support they give to victims in this long process. Only by all of us working together can we make our community a better place to live and put persons who destroy our peace where they belong.