Accused banjo beater can keep pickin' for now

[February 04, 2010]  ASPEN, Colo. (AP) -- A banjo player accused of assaulting another man with his instrument will get to keep pickin' while awaiting his trial.

Joseph Stancato, 33, of Denver faces second-degree assault charges after allegedly hitting another man upside the head with his banjo on New Year's Eve. Authorities said Stancato got into an argument with two men at a bus stop.

District Judge James Boyd on Monday approved Stancato's request to be allowed on the road to tour with a band while awaiting his next court date Feb. 6.

The banjo is considered "a deadly weapon" under Colorado law, so Stancato could face prison time, the Aspen Daily News reported.

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Information from: Aspen Daily News, http://www.aspendailynews.com/

[Associated Press]

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