People v. Watson Opinion text corrected

FIRST DIVISION

April 28, 2003

No. 1-99-2606

IN THE APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, ) )

Plaintiff-Appellee, ) No. 90 CR 5546))))

VERNON WATSON, ) Honorable) Michael P. Toomin,

Defendant-Appellant. ) Judge Presiding.

JUSTICE JAMES F. SMITH delivered the opinion of the court:

Following a bench trial, defendant, Vernon Watson, was found guilty of two counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault and one count of aggravated kidnapping. Prior to sentencing, the State petitioned the court to conduct an habitual criminal hearing pursuant to 720 ILCS 5/33B…