BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A Bismarck man who pleaded guilty to assaulting four people in a mobile home with a baseball bat has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
Fifty-seven-year-old Richard Gourneau Sr. pleaded guilty in January after being charged with five counts of aggravated assault, and one count each of simple assault, terrorizing and theft.
Authorities say Gourneau used a knife and a baseball bat in the Nov. 26 incident that sent five people to the hospital, two of whom were treated in intensive care for head injuries. Police say Gourneau then stole a car and fled. He was arrested after surrendering six days later.
Gourneau said through his attorney Friday that he had taken some “bad” methamphetamine. He says he has wanted to get clean but the drug is “just overpowering.”
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