An Ansonia teen accused of beating a 56-year-old man with a bat was sentenced to nine months in prison Monday.
Paul Kyle Passander, 18, and his older brother, Jeffrey, allegedly attacked the man with small bats on West Main Street near the Ansonia train station on Nov. 18, 2009.
The attack, according to court documents, was retribution over a perceived slight the victim has allegedly done to a mutual friend.
However, a prosecutor said Monday the crime was unprovoked.
The victim suffered a broken nose and eye socket — along with multiple bruises to his ribs and legs.
Passander’s prison sentence was a plea bargain worked out with prosecutors.
However, Judge Richard Arnold said he came close to throwing the deal out because Passander has been failing drug tests — even tests that were taken after he accepted the plea deal. The prosecutor, Majorie Sozanski, and Passander’s attorney, Lawrence Higgins, convinced the judge otherwise.
Passander, who was 16 at the time of the attack, said he was not proud of his behavior and indicated that he had fallen into the “wrong crowd,” which caused him to start using drugs.
Regarding the attack, “If I could take back that day, I would,” he told Judge Arnold.
The judge wasn’t in a forgiving mood.
“I don’t believe a word you say,” the judge said, adding that the defendant thumbed his nose at the court.
“You’re sorry for the day you beat the crap out of the victim, because that’s what got you here,” said Judge Arnold.
“You put the cell keys directly in your own hands and locked the door yourself,” he said.
Passander was also sentenced to three years probation.
Passander’s family was in court, weeping. His father stood by his son’s side as the judge handed down the sentence.
“I love you, Paul,” his sister said.
Jeffrey Passander, Jr., 26, Paul’s brother, is scheduled to appear in court June 27.
