LIHU‘E — Missed court dates and parole violations came back to haunt Jeremy Noble on Wednesday when he received the maximum sentence despite a plea deal. Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe listened to arguments from both sides calling for Noble
LIHU‘E — Missed court dates and parole violations came back to haunt Jeremy Noble on Wednesday when he received the maximum sentence despite a plea deal.
Fifth Circuit Judge Kathleen Watanabe listened to arguments from both sides calling for Noble to receive longer probation and less jail time, albeit for different reasons.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin said the crime that occurred on Feb. 13 was severe. It was a “headbutt” to his partner’s upper nose resulting in a slight fracture.
The victim fled the home with Noble in pursuit. She called her mother from a neighbor’s house and hid in the bushes and behind cars until she was picked up.
Noble, 37, of Lihu‘e, was arrested and charged with second-degree assault, family and household member abuse, and second-degree terroristic threat. He was arraigned on March 8 but failed to appear for the May 23 trial. He entered a plea of guilty on July 19.
Two charges were dismissed in the plea deal and Noble pleaded guilty to family abuse. He has served 106 days in jail thus far.
Noble has prior convictions in California, Nevada and Missouri, where he was allowed a parole waiver to move to Hawai‘i. While on parole he violated the terms and served the complete sentence in Missouri until 2009.
Arin recommended Noble get six months in jail and a lengthier two-year probation to keep better watch over his actions and treatment in the community.
Defense attorney Warren Perry said Noble has a drug problem and that he has impressed others in the treatment program. He asked the judge to consider this in the spirit of the plea agreement and recommended three months in jail and probation.
Watanabe said it is clear from the past convictions that drugs and theft are the primary problems and that Noble had not committed violent acts until this incident. Nevertheless, she explained that probation does not apply in this case where the defendant has shown a history of disregarding guidelines and court dates.
Noble would do better to have daily and hourly watch for a year in jail than to have monthly meetings with probation officers in the community, Watanabe said. She ordered Noble to pay to have a drug and alcohol assessment and to attend a domestic violence intervention program until clinically released.
The judge also ordered Noble to stay away from the victim. A restraining order remains in effect, according to Perry.
On Thursday Noble was sentenced to six months jail with no probation for a contempt of court charge by Fifth Circuit Court Chief Judge Randal Valenciano. It runs concurrent with Watanabe’s sentencing as part of a global plea deal.
• Tom LaVenture, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 224) or by emailing tlaventure@ thegardenisland.com.
