A Redwood City man convicted of attempting to strangle his 18-year-old stepson during an argument over the electrical bill was sentenced Friday to 17 years in prison.
Matthew Stout, 38, faced 55 years to life in prison after a jury in July convicted him of assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and dissuading witnesses. The jury, which deliberated two days before returning its verdicts, deadlocked on a charge of making criminal threats.
On Sept. 3, 2007, according to the District Attorney’s Office, Stout argued with his stepson over their electrical bill, particularly the amount of energy the younger man spent playing music. The squabble allegedly escalated to a point where Stout put his knee into his stepson’s chest, squeezed his hands around his neck and threatened to kill him. Stout’s wife and others tried unsuccessfully to pull him off and he eventually let go, according to the prosecution.
Prior to trial, Stout pleaded no contest to 13 misdemeanor counts of violating a previous court protective order. After the jury delivered its verdict, Judge Craig Parsons also found true Stout’s prior convictions, making the two-time convict eligible for a three-strikes sentence which left him open to 55 years to life in prison. Stout has prior convictions for robbery and assault.
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On Friday, Parsons opted for 17 years in prison, said Assistant District Attorney Karen Guidotti
Stout has been in custody since his arrest in lieu of $500,000 bail.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.