Breaking: Kathryn Knott Found Guilty In Philly Hate Attack
A jury has just returned a guilty verdict in the case against Kathryn Knott. Here are the details.
Kathryn Knott is guilty of simple assault, conspiracy and reckless endangerment, a jury has decided. The announcement came minutes ago in the Philadelphia hate attack case. Knott was one of three charged, the other two pleaded guilty to accept a very generous plea deal, but Knott insisted on going to trial.
NBC Philadelphia reports Knott was found “not guilty of more serious aggravated assault charges and not guilty of charges against the other victim.”
Kathryn Knott convictions are all misdemeanors; she was acquitted of two counts felony aggravated assault
— PhillyGayNews (@phillygaynews) December 18, 2015
Knott was part of a group of about 15 friends who encountered a same-sex couple in downtown Philadelphia the night of Sept. 11, 2014. Kevin Harrigan, one of Knott’s friends, according to the victims had yelled to the men, “What is that, your fucking boyfriend?â€Â
Harrigan also yelled, “I guess you’re a dirty fucking faggot then.”
The interaction quickly turned violent.
In court, Knott claimed – despite the testimony of depositions of the victims – that no one, to her memory, called anyone a “faggot.”Â
She also told the jury she had turned and run away. “I didn’t want anyone getting hurt,” she said. “I was trying to calm the situation.”
Will Knott be sent to jail?
NBC notes Knott “may have escaped jail time” because she was not found guilty of the most serious charges.Â
UPDATE I: 12:20 PM EST –
Via local WHYY reporter:
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In empty courtroom, def atty Busico is talking softly to Knott around family as she cries with her glasses off.
— Bobby Allyn (@BobbyAllyn) December 18, 2015
Philly mag reporter Dan McQuade, who has been following the case very closely:
It’s possible Knott won’t get any jail time, but presumably the ADA will argue for it in court next year. She was not guilty of the felony.
— Dan McQuade (@dhm) December 18, 2015
McQuade says Knott will not be jailed now, still free on bail:
Kathryn Knott’s bail was continued; there is pre-sentencing on February 8th of next year.
— Dan McQuade (@dhm) December 18, 2015
Someone with extensive knowledge of Philly courts says there’s a good chance Knott does minimal jail time in city jail. Months, not years.
— Dan McQuade (@dhm) December 18, 2015
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This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated soon. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.
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EARLIER:
Here Are The Anti-Gay Tweets A Judge Just Ruled Can Be Used Against Alleged Philly Hate Attacker
Breaking: Philly Hate Attack Defendants Expected To Take Plea Deal – But Details Not Released
‘All Three Defendants Maintain Their Innocence’: Philly Hate Attack Suspects Appear In Court
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Image of Knott by Victor Fiorillo via Twitter
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