Glen David Andrews, a well known trombonist, has pleaded guilty to domestic violence after originally being charged with attempted murder, in regards to a woman that he had a tumultuous on-again off-again 4-year relationship with, as reported by The Times-Picayune for greater New Orleans.
Andrews pleaded guilty to domestic violence by strangulation and aggravated assault on November 15.
The physical confrontations between Andrews and the woman occurred during the months of April and May 2012.
Andrews' prison sentence, of three years, was suspended. However, he must complete three years of active probation according to his lawyer Robert Hjortsberg.
Along with attempted murder, Andrews faced aggravated assault and theft of a firearm for the attack in May, and simple battery for the April attack.
His guilty plea, to the amended charges, was entered in Criminal District Court in Orleans Parish.
Hjortsberg told reporters that his client is "very satisfied with the way the process played out, given the serious charges he faced." Hjortsberg said that Andrews had a problem with drugs and that was what caused him to have violent episodes. According to Hjortsberg, Andrews is currently in a rehabilitation facility that works with other musicians that are suffering with drug addictions.
Hjortsberg added, "He's made tremendous strides to get his life back in order. He's a completely different person. This is a chance for him to start a new life."
Christopher Bowman, the District Attorney's Office spokesman, said that the victim was "less than cooperative" with the prosecutors and, since Andrews had no prior record with the law in regards to domestic violence, "a good outcome" was reached.
During Andrews' probation he must stay clear of his victim.
Of the two incidents, the more serious occurred during the May 23 attack. Andrews pointed a loaded gun at the woman after he had punched her "several times in the face with a closed fist."
In the earlier attack, occurring on April 24, the woman, having split with Andrews a few hours earlier, accepted an invitation to his home to talk about the break up. As soon as Andrews opened the door of his home he struck the woman with an open fist and then choked her.
A warrant was issued after the first attack, however, it was still outstanding by the time of the second. Andrews surrendered to authorities approximately two weeks after the second attack.
In July Andrews left Boston to spend three months in a rehab center.
The relationship between Andrews and the woman was described at one point by Hjortsberg as "toxic." Verbal abuse allegedly began as early as 2010.
Andrews has a criminal record that includes drug possession charges in 2002 and 2008.
Andrews comes from a family of musicians and has performed with many brass bands and other groups.
He had completed an earlier drug rehab in California.
If you have been physically abused in a relationship or marriage, contact a family law attorney for help. End the cycle of abuse when you file your charges and get your life back on track.