People v. Beard

After a May 2003 jury trial defendant, Donald E. Beard, Jr., was convicted of one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault (720 ILCS 5/12 — 14(a)(2) (West 2002)), and in September 2003, the trial court sentenced him to a 20-year prison term. He appeals, arguing (1) the prosecutor argued facts not in evidence in closing argument, (2) the trial court erred in denying his motion for new trial based on newly discovered evidence, and (3) he received ineffective assistance of counsel. We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

Defendant was charged by indictment with two counts of criminal sexual assault, one count…