South Africa: Bob Hewitt testifies in rape trial sentencing
May 18, 2015, 2:36 AM
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) — Former doubles tennis champion Bob Hewitt, who was convicted of rape and sexual assault, has testified at his sentence hearing in a South African court.
Hewitt, 75, told the court on Monday that he suffers from poor health. He also said he had received anonymous threatening letters, warning of possible assault in prison.
Hewitt’s wife Delaille broke down during her testimony, describing how her family was harassed throughout the trial. She said production on their citrus farm will halt if Hewitt is jailed.
The prosecution is asking for a prison term. Hewitt’s lawyer, Terry Price, is arguing for a more lenient sentence.
Judge Bert Bam found Hewitt guilty of the offenses committed in the 1980s and 1990s, when Hewitt’s three accusers were minors. Australian-born Hewitt has denied all the charges.
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