Minn. man sentenced for torture beating
ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) — A man accused of torturing, beating and repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman has been sentenced in Stearns County to life in prison.
James Bryson, 23, will be eligible for parole in 15 years. Bryson pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct and admitted to the attack which Judge John Scherer described as "brutal and barbaric."
Bryson's parents testified in court Thursday that their son was mild-mannered and never violent before he took the sedative Ambien. The St. Cloud Times says the judge denied a motion by Bryson's attorney to present the involuntary intoxication defense.
Bryson jumped into the Mississippi River following the August 2011 and had to be rescued by authorities.
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Information from: St. Cloud Times
