WINNEMUCCA — The defendant who admitted using a sharp object to slice the face of another man outside of a local bar last August will go to prison for his actions.

Joshua Macdonald, 30, was sentenced on Monday (Jan. 9) to 30 – 96 months in prison on the charge of battery with a deadly weapon (sentence corrected).  He pleaded guilty to the charge in November.

The victim testifed at the preliminary hearing, and the property owner's video surveillance showed, that Macdonald rushed the victim and sliced his face open.  The cut nicked an artery in the victim's neck. 

The defendant told the court he had a drinking problem, blacked out, and had no memory of the attack.

Public Defender Matt Stermitz provided a letter from the Salvation Army indicating they were prepared to accept the defendant into counseling immediately if he was granted probation.

Humboldt County DA Kevin Pasquale argued against probation.  Pointing to the defendant’s criminal history, he noted there were four pages of priors, which included previous failed attempts at probation and other acts of violence.

Pasquale reminded the court the attack was unprovoked and asked that Macdonald be sent to prison.

Allowed to address the court, Macdonald said both he and his wife are in jail and their children are in someone else’s care.  He asked for a chance at probation and counseling to better himself so he could care for his kids.

Judge Michael Montero sentenced Macdonald to prison without comment.

Macdonald has 144 days credit for time served.

Previous Posts:

Man charged in bar attack changes plea 

Suspect in attack pleads not guilty 

Man arrested following attack will go to trial 

Man wanted in knife attack picked up on outstanding warrant