HASTINGS, Minn. — The man convicted of 3rd degree assault for beating someone outside a Lakeville Walmart in October 2021, was sentenced to 120 days in jail and three years probation on Wednesday.
63-year-old David Beckett pled guilty in November to assaulting 68-year-old Mark Henderson, and breaking his femur. The incident began when Beckett followed Henderson on I-35, near County Road 70 after he felt he cut him off. Beckett followed Henderson to the Walmart, where after verbal threats, Beckett attacked him.
Henderson's wife Sharon spoke on his behalf Wednesday in the courtroom.
"The nine days I spent in the hospital were filled with pain and uncertainty," Sharon read. "I underwent surgery resulting in two rods and six screws that are now permanently in my body."
Sharon says the funny, joyful man she once knew is now a shadow of himself.
"I hope to move past this anger one day, but for now, it feels as though Mr. Beckett has stolen precious years we should have enjoyed together," Sharon said.
Beckett apologized to the victim and his family today in court, as the severity of his action sat a few feet away from him.
"I really regret that day," Beckett said. I am not a violent, malicious man. I am a Christian, but I'm a sinful man."
The judge also ordered Beckett to continue paying restitution for three years, but he felt Beckett was not a threat to re-offend given no prior criminal history. He added that he believed Beckett did a terrible thing, but is not a bad man.