A Derby man accused of assaulting a man during a fight outside Connie’s restaurant will learn next month whether he qualifies for a special form of probation.
Anthony DeFala, at one time a member of the city’s tax board, was charged with second-degree assault, a felony, and second-degree breach of peace, a misdemeanor, after allegedly punching Ronald Sabatini in the head outside the bar last March.
Sabatini suffered serious injuries from the punch and subsequent fall, according to a civil lawsuit he filed against DeFala and Connie’s former owners.
DeFala made a brief court appearance Thursday, Judge Burton Kaplan referred DeFala to the probation office, where officials will determine whether he can qualify for accelerated rehabilitation.
It is a type of probation that allows first-time offenders to have their criminal records wiped clean if they stay out of trouble.
DeFala’s due back in court May 12.
Richard Valenti, who faces a misdemeanor charge for his alleged role in the assault, is also due back May 12.
