LANCASTER, Ohio (AP) — An Ohio man who authorities say vandalized a woman's grave marker after being rejected by her daughter has pleaded guilty to vandalism and been placed on five years' probation.
Fairfield County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Berens suspended a one-year prison sentence for 21-year-old Steven Locke of Lancaster (LANG'-kuh-stur) following the Monday plea. He will not have to serve the time unless he violates terms of his probation, which include staying away from the victim and her family and attending counseling.
Police say Locke hit the bronze marker in Floral Hills Memory Garden with a sledge hammer in October to hurt the dead woman's 17-year-old daughter for refusing to date him.
Locke called his actions "stupid" and his lawyer says he is remorseful.
Fairfield County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Berens suspended a one-year prison sentence for 21-year-old Steven Locke of Lancaster (LANG'-kuh-stur) following the Monday plea. He will not have to serve the time unless he violates terms of his probation, which include staying away from the victim and her family and attending counseling.
Police say Locke hit the bronze marker in Floral Hills Memory Garden with a sledge hammer in October to hurt the dead woman's 17-year-old daughter for refusing to date him.
Locke called his actions "stupid" and his lawyer says he is remorseful.
