Tongue burner gets 30 years

Ashkar made the deal on the second day of trial in return for no more than three decades behind bars and the dismissal of numerous felonies. If convicted of the original charges of domestic violence and assault he faced up to life in prison.

Ashkar was arrested the Thanksgiving weekend of 2003 after neighbors reported screaming from the couple's apartment. Ashkar thought his new bride was paying too much attention to another man at the gym, according to police reports.

After interviewing the victim, police determined the torture may have gone on for a week. Among the incidents, Ashkar allegedly grabbed his wife's tongue out of her mouth while they drove in Marin County Nov. 21 and burned it with a cigarette lighter. He also reportedly punched her in the arm before the couple returned home.

Ashkar's wife was bruised over a large percentage of her body but was afraid to tell police what happened, according to the District Attorney's Office. The couple had been married two months. The crimes charged against Ashkar occurred between Oct. 20, 2003 and Nov. 26, 2003.

Ashkar remains in custody in lieu of $1.75 million bail and a no-bail immigration hold. He returns to court March 21 for official sentencing.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 104. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com