SUNBURY - A 21-year-old Coal Township man pleaded guilty Monday morning in Northumberland County Court to simple assault, while six other charges, including burglary, were not prosecuted when one of the alleged victims refused to testify against him and asked the court to be lenient in sentencing the defendant.
Phillip M. Boyles, of 1462 Pulaski Ave., was sentenced by Judge William H. Wiest to serve five months in the county jail after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor of simple assault. The commonwealth agreed not to prosecute felony charges of burglary, criminal conspiracy to commit burglary and criminal trespass, a misdemeanor of loitering and prowling at night, and summaries of underage drinking and criminal mischief.
Boyles, who was given credit for prison time previously served, also was ordered to pay a $150 fine and various costs and make restitution in the amount of $459 for breaking a cell phone owned by Grayce Griffiths.
Northumberland County Assistant District Attorney William Cole prosecuted the case.
Boyles, who was represented by Attorney Richard Feudale, agreed to enter the plea after Bernice Griffiths, mother of Grayce Griffiths, refused to testify against Boyles after taking the witness stand and urging Wiest to have leniency on the defendant for his alleged actions. Bernice Griffiths said the defendant paid his debt to society by serving five months in prison and didn't want to purse the case any further against Boyles, who is the former boyfriend of Grayce Griffiths and father of their 7-month-old son.
Boyles was recommitted to the county prison, where he has remained since his arrest on the charges May 28.
The charges were filed by Patrolman David Donkochik in connection with a burglary at 1:41 a.m. May 28 at the residence of Bernice Griffiths, Ken Taylor, Grayce Griffiths and her infant son, all of 313 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel.
Boyles was accused of entering the home through a balcony door and punching Grayce Griffiths' boyfriend, Alex Schwartz, of Kulpmont, on the side of the head. After punching Schwartz seven or eight times, police said Boyles began choking the victim and threatening to kill him. Earlier, police said Boyles had threatened to kill Grayce Griffiths, Schwartz, Schwartz's 14-year-old sister and a 14-year-old male.
Boyles also was accused of grabbing Grayce Griffiths' cell phone out of her hand and smashing it before grabbing her by the throat, scratching her and fleeing.
Bernice Griffiths, who is Taylor's wife, witnessed the assaults.
A co-defendant in the burglary, Michael Robert Shinskie, 18, of 720 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at 9:15 a.m. Nov. 2 before Judge Charles Saylor.