Jury issues maximum 30-year sentence for repeat offender who assaulted his mother

James Livsey
James Livsey

TEXARKANA, Ark. -A man who assaulted his mother in her Texarkana, Arkansas, home was sentenced by a Miller County jury last week to a maximum 30-year prison term.

James Livsey, 47, lost his temper when his mother asked him to help her find a flashlight Aug. 14, 2018, according to a probable cause affidavit. Livsey had been living with his 68-year-old mother at her home in the 300 block of Meadows Drive in Texarkana, Ark., because he was homeless.

Livsey pushed his mother several times in her chest, forcing her into a wall between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. Livsey placed his forearm across the woman's neck and threatened to kill her as he pushed her down into a chair. Livsey also pushed his mother in the chest with a baseball bat and threatened to kill her if she called police.

The mother was unable to call for help because Livsey hid both her land-based and cellular phones. The mother sought medical attention the following day for severe pain in her chest. She was diagnosed with a fractured sternum.

Livsey was charged by Miller County prosecutors with second-degree battery, an offense typically punishable by up to ten years in prison. Because of Livsey's many prior convictions, including more than four for felony offenses, Livsey faced an enhanced punishment range of up to 30 years in prison.

Livsey's jury opted for the maximum.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Connie Mitchell and Kristian Robertson represented the state. Livsey was represented at trial by Managing Public Defender Jason Mitchell.

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