People v. Murphy

Following a bench trial, defendant, Bill Murphy, was convicted of aggravated battery (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 38, par. 12 — 4(b)(8)). He was sentenced to probation for a period of two years upon the conditions that he pay a fine, court costs, and make restitution to the victim, James Manley.

On January 7, 1985, defendant and Manley were involved in an altercation at a tavern called the Village Pump. Manley was injured in the fight which involved the defendant and another patron. The defendant claimed self-defense and that the battery, if any, was a simple battery and not aggravated battery.…