Dateline: May 8, 2003

McCoy gives felon

16-year sentence

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

A Donley County felon will spend 16 years in the state penitentiary following action by the district court last week.

Michael Neal Royal was sentenced by District Judge David McCoy on a motion filed by District Attorney Stuart Messer to adjudicate the guilt of the defendant.

Royal had been placed on 10 years deferred adjudication on October 7, 1999, in two first degree felony cases of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer. He has since violated two conditions of his probation, which brought him before the court.

“I want to commend the work of the probation department for keeping a close watch on their probationers in helping to keep our communities and families safe,” Messer said.

Many times the State will agree to allow a defendant to go on probation, knowing that if the defendant violates probation he will face serious consequences.

Royal was represented by attorney Seldon Hale.