Hebel v. State

CASANUEVA, Judge.

Richard M. Hebei appeals his conviction for sexual battery of his then spouse, P.H.C., contending that the trial court allowed the introduction of irrelevant, prejudicial evidence and precluded permissible cross-examination of the complainant. We agree that the court committed reversible error and remand for a new trial.

I. INTRODUCTION

The events of May 16,1998, are disputed by the parties. P.H.C. testified that, after failing to rape her, Mr. Hebei struck her with a flashlight and then forced the flashlight into her vagina. Mr. Hebei denounced the allegations as “absolutely…