Utah woman sentenced in 'surprise' hammer beating

[April 22, 2010]  SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A Utah woman has been sentenced to 30 days at home with an ankle monitor for blindfolding her husband and promising him a surprise before hitting him in the head with a hammer three years ago.

Amy Teresa Ricks also was sentenced to probation and community service Monday in 3rd District Court. The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to second-degree felony aggravated assault in February.

Prosecutors have agreed to reduce the conviction to a third-degree felony after Ricks completes probation. They also agreed to let Ricks seek expungement of the crime after seven years.

Ricks' husband suffered minor injuries in the May 2007 attack. At the time of her plea, Ricks' defense attorney said the two were still married but were separated.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com/

[Associated Press]

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