People v. Clarke

Defendant, Michael T. Clarke, was convicted of aggravated battery (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 12 — 4(a)) for stabbing Larry Mc-Bain on May 5, 1990. For the following reasons, we reverse and remand.

Defendant was indicted for attempted murder (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, pars. 8 — 4(a), 9 — 1) and aggravated battery (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 12 — 4(a)) for stabbing McBain on May 5, 1990. The cause proceeded to a jury trial on April 15, 1991. Defendant claimed that he stabbed McBain in self-defense. (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1989, ch. 38, par. 7 — 1.) McBain, however, testified that…