Convicted rapist Cory Batey was back in court after the state filed a motion for a new sentencing hearing.
The hearing began not long after 9 a.m. Thursday. The state filed the motion back in August, saying they weren’t notified of the letters given before the court on behalf of Batey prior to his original sentencing.
The motion said several of the letters contradicted the state’s arguments during sentencing – adding that, “notice to both parties is required when letters of support are sent directly to the court.”
Batey's attorney said he would like for the court to deny the state's motion for a new sentencing hearing.
Batey's attorney: "It’s an attempt to get a second bite of the apple with a different judge" #vandytrial
— Chris Conte (@NC5_ChrisConte) September 15, 2016
Judge Monte Watkins said he would take the matter into consideration and issue a written ruling next week.
Batey was sentenced to 15 years in prison back in July.
However, Batey's trial attorney, Courtney Teasley, has fired back.
In an exclusive interview with NewsChannel 's Nick Beres, she said 15 years is enough and that the District Attorney should leave it alone.
“I think the state wants a harsher penalty,” she said. “Either the victim is not satisfied or they are not satisfied and they want to see 25 years.”
Judge Watkins will also decide whether he will stay on the case or pass it on to another judge.
