Commonwealth v. Williams

HOFFMAN, Judge:

Appellant contends his speedy trial rights under Pa.R. Crim.P. 1100 were violated. We agree and, accordingly, reverse the judgment of sentence.

On November 11, 1977 the criminal complaint was filed. On December 5, 1977 appellant did not appear for a preliminary hearing and a bench warrant was issued. On March 29, 1979, 479 days later, appellant was apprehended. Failure to bring appellant down from prison forced continuances of trials listed for May 15, May 24, and July 11, 1979. The Commonwealth petitioned for an extension of time on July 17, 1979, and the court held a hearing…