People v. Butler

At the conclusion of a jury trial in the circuit court of Cook County, defendant, Johnny Butler, was found guilty of attempted rape (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 38, pars. 8 — 4,11—1). He was sentenced to a term of 5 to 15 years imprisonment. On appeal, defendant contends the trial court committed reversible error in permitting the State to cross-examine him concerning the details of a prior unrelated offense.

While we find the trial court did commit error, we nevertheless find the error harmless rather than prejudicial and, accordingly, we affirm.

Prior to the selection of the jury, the defense…