Former NFL-star David Meggett sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape and burglary

[News_Editor]

Former NFL-star David Meggett sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape and burglary

2010-11-11 06:23:48 GMT+7 (ICT)

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (BNO NEWS) -- Former National Football League (NFL) player David Meggett on Wednesday was sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty in a rape and burglary case.

Meggettt, 42, was found guilty of 1st degree criminal sexual conduct and 1st degree burglary and was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment on both charges to be served concurrently. He will not be eligible for parole for at least 25 years.

The former NFL all star was accused of raping a 21-year-old college student at her Charleston, South Carolina residence in January 2009. Prosecutors said Meggett entered the residence without permission and argued with the victim before choking her and forcing her to have sex with him.

Meggett's attorneys alleged that the two were friends and had consensual sex as she allegedly agreed to have sex in order to repay a debt she had with the ex-football player. Attorneys for the defense, however, argued that Meggett asked for condoms and, after the sexual encounter, asked for forgiveness, something that rapists they said 'do not do.'

The victim testified on Monday for over one hour and disclosed more alleged details of the assault, including the use of physical violence on her by Meggett. However, he was not charged with assault and battery.

Meggett declined to testify and passed up his last chance to speak during the three-week trial before the sentence was read. His sister asked the judge to have leniency for her brother.

The former NFL's career punt returner also faces charges relating to an incident with a teenager who alleges that Meggett forced her have sex at a home after inviting her to have breakfast.

However, prosecutors are not sure if they can pursue the case, which allegedly occurred in September 2008, as it is weaker than the rape and burglary case.

Meggett is a former professional NFL running back who played from 1989 to 1998 for the New York Giants, New England Patriots, and the New York Jets.

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