People v. Richards

Following a jury trial, the defendant, James O. Richards, was convicted of indecent liberties with a child in violation of section 11 — 4 of the Criminal Code of 1961 (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1975, ch. 38, par. 11 — 4). He was subsequently sentenced to a term of 4 to 20 years’ imprisonment.

On appeal, the defendant argues that the State’s jury instruction which made reference to prior sexual acts of the defendant was improper and denied him a fair trial. We agree and reverse and remand for a new trial.

At trial, the complaining witness noted, during direct examination, that other instances of indecent…