Commonwealth v. Manning

The defendant appeals from conviction of armed robbery, G. L. c. 265, § 17, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, G. L. c. 265, § 15B. At trial, the defendant’s sole witness was a roommate who offered an alibi for the defendant. The Commonwealth advised the judge in advance that it planned to impeach the roommate with a prior conviction of indecent assault and battery. See G. L. c. 233, § 21. The defendant objected, arguing that the offense of indecent assault and battery was of little relevance to the roommate’s credibility. In overruling the defendant’s objection, the judge…