People v. Fugate

In a bench trial the defendant was convicted of the offense of indecent liberties with a child, consisting of an act of deviate sexual conduct. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1977, ch. 38, par. 11 — 4(a)(2).) He was sentenced to a term of not less than 4 years nor more than 5 years imprisonment. He appeals, contending that he was denied a fair hearing when the trial judge conducted concurrent hearings on the motion to suppress his confession and the substantive charges, and that he was not proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case was set for trial to begin on September 19,1977. On the trial date…