People v. Woodburn

Following an October 23, 1978, bench trial in the circuit court of McLean County, defendant John Woodburn was convicted of burglary and sentenced to a term of 6 years’ imprisonment. On appeal, he contends that the State failed to prove that a confession given by him and introduced at trial was voluntary and that he was denied due process at his sentencing hearing because of an unfulfilled promise by the State.

The evidence reveals that defendant and his brother were apprehended by police at approximately 12:20 a.m. on June 27,1978, near a Normal car wash which had been the subject of a…