SMETHPORT — A Bradford woman accused of shooting her then-boyfriend in the pelvic area, injuring him, was sentenced to a jail term Thursday in McKean County Court.
Joann E. Hull, 35, of Turtlepoint, will serve nine to 23 ½ months in McKean County Jail with credit for 19 days of time served.
She must also complete 100 hours of community service, and she is to have no contact with the victim. She is eligible for work release.
Hull pleaded guilty Oct. 8 to a charge of aggravated assault-bodily injury with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony.
According to the criminal complaint, Hull, who was then living at 24 Chamberlain Ave., Bradford, called 911 at 1:46 p.m. on April 7 to report the alleged shooting.
Officers said emergency medical personnel checked the alleged victim and determined he was shot in the pelvic area with an exit wound near or around the right buttock. He was transported from the scene to Wagner Avenue, from where he was flown via medical helicopter to Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, N.Y. He underwent emergency surgery and was listed in stable condition, the criminal complaint stated.
The criminal complaint indicated the shooting occurred during a domestic dispute, but no specific motive was stated.
At the sentencing hearing, District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer noted that the victim “would have preferred a lengthier sentence” — a state prison sentence, she indicated.
However, Shaffer said that factors such as the facts of the case and cooperation during the investigation made her feel the recommended sentence is appropriate.
Defense attorney Greg Henry noted there were several letters from people including Hull, her employer and her sister that Henry wanted President Judge John Pavlock to consider.
When Pavlock asked Hull if she wanted to tell him anything to consider, she replied, “No, your honor. I put my thoughts and feelings into that (letter).”
She thanked him for considering the letter, which Pavlock said was “well written.” He noted the letter included items such as her employment, treatment and how long she has been “clean.”
“This is a horrible thing,” Pavlock said, referring to the actions on which she was sentenced. “But you’re moving forward. You’re not done yet.”
While Pavlock appreciated Hull’s efforts since the incident, he told her, “The harm caused to the victim was substantial.”
