LIHUE — A Kalaheo man who assaulted his former girlfriend and threatened her father was sentenced to a year in jail and felony probation Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court. Brandon Ikaika Scribner, 22, was sentenced in two cases for first-degree
LIHUE — A Kalaheo man who assaulted his former girlfriend and threatened her father was sentenced to a year in jail and felony probation Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court.
Brandon Ikaika Scribner, 22, was sentenced in two cases for first-degree terroristic threatening, and for third-degree assault stemming from separate incidents in 2012.
Scribner told the court he accepted responsibility for his actions and that alcohol and drugs were the underlying issue.
“I am ready to accept whatever the court hands down and move forward,” he said.
State deputy public defender Samuel Jajich said the defendant has turned a corner and wants to lead a law-abiding life. His problems stem from a difficult childhood and alcohol abuse, he said. He added he is willing to make the commitment to change his life.
County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lisa Arin said this wasn’t the first assault conviction for the defendant. He served six months after losing his probation in 2012 for physically abusing a former girlfriend.
In the most recent case, the 21-year-old victim had moved off-island and reportedly contacted Scribner while on a return visit. The two got together and the woman’s father objected. Scribner texted the father a threat should they run into each other, Arin said.
Judge Kathleen Watanabe said she “was appalled” after reading the reports and seeing the photo that Scribner sent to the father of himself with the woman.
Watanabe said her first inclination after reviewing the texts was to sentence Scribner to a five-year prison term. His nine prior misdemeanor and several petty misdemeanor convictions also weighed against him.
The judge said that his age and probation eligibility were also taken into account. The close supervision of Hawaii Opportunity Probation with Enforcement is Scribner’s last opportunity to show he can grow up or become a career criminal, she said.
“It would be a shame for you to go to prison at such a young age,” Watanabe said. “Prison is an awful way to grow up real fast.”
Scribner will get four months credit for time already served. He can be released to an in-patient addiction rehabilitation program of six months or more.
“It’s painful to see any young man go to jail, and it doesn’t bring us any joy to send him there,” said County Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar. “He’s got a long way to go in life and we all hope he overcomes his past; that choice is up to him to make and we hope he chooses wisely.”
