Man Who Gouged Out Eyes In Jail Given 25 Years In Prison
MIAMI (CBS4) - A South Florida man who gouged out his and his wife's eyes has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.
According to court records, 50-year old Eugene Roman was arrested and charged with three counts of battery and false imprisonment six years ago for allegedly assaulting his wife in 2005. He was found guilty and sentenced to 364 days in jail. It was during this time he gouged out his eyes. Roman was released early when his wife agreed to take him back.
In May 2006, he reportedly attacked his wife and gouged out her eyes after she refused his sexual advances. He was arrested and charged with aggravated battery and kidnapping. Roman's estranged wife was left blind in her right eye and partially blind in her left.
During Monday's sentencing hearing Roman pleaded guilty to the charges and accepted responsibility for the attack. He also asked for forgiveness.
Roman has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and depression.
CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald reports in 2006 Roman's attorney sued the Department of Children & Families because they were unable to provide a bed for him at a state hospital where his mental health could be monitored while awaiting trial. During his hearing, the judge criticized DCF and ordered that he be moved from jail to the state hospital immediately.
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