Michael Enright, Who Slashed Cabbie In Anti-Muslim Tirade, Sentenced To Nearly 10 Years In Prison
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The man convicted of a hate crime in the stabbing of a taxi driver in an anti-Muslim tirade has been sentenced to 9 and a half years in prison.
Michael Enright, now 24, told the judge he has come a long way since he slashed the cab driver's throat in an alcohol-fueled rage against Muslims in 2010.
"It was a hard way to hit bottom," Enright to the judge.
Michael Enright, Who Slashed Cabbie In Anti-Muslim Tirade, Sentenced To Nearly 10 Years In Prison
Ahmed Sharif, a Bangladeshi immigrant and a father of four, was slashed across the throat and face after he picked up Enright for a fare near East 24 Street and Second Avenue. According to the criminal complaint, Enright asked Sharif if he was Muslim before he started slashing him.
Enright pleaded guilty to attempted murder and assault as hate crimes for the attack. Prosecutors had sought 18 years in prison, but the judge decided nearly a decade behind bars plus five years of post-release supervision was fair.
At sentencing, Enright thanked the judge for giving him the chance to get treatment for his alcoholism.
"On August 24, 2010, the date of my last drink, I failed as a human being when I attacked an innocent man in an alcoholic blackout and nearly took his life," Enright said in a statement to the court.
"I am sorry from the bottom of my heart," Enright told Sharif.
He went on to thank his family and his friends from AA for their support, and closed his statement by saying, "My name is Michael Enright and I'm a grateful alcoholic."
Enright had faced up to 25 years in prison on the top count against him.
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