Ohio Kidnapper Ariel Castro Accepts Plea Deal

[Jazzy]

The Cleveland man accused of holding three women captive in his home for about a decade has agreed to plead guilty in a deal to avoid the death penalty.

In exchange, prosecutors recommend Ariel Castro be sentenced to life without parole plus 1,000 years.

Castro was in court on Friday morning to enter the guilty plea.

When asked if he understood he would never be released from prison, Castro said: "I do understand that, your honour."

He added: "I knew I was pretty much going to get the book thrown at me."

Castro was far more interactive than in previous court appearances when he mostly kept his head down and eyes closed.

During Friday's hearing, he answered the judge's questions in a clear, intelligible voice, saying he understood the proceedings and that he would never be released from prison.

Castro, who was born in Puerto Rico, said he could read and understand English well but had trouble with comprehension.

"My addiction to pornography and my sexual problem has really taken a toll on my mind," Castro told judge Michael Russo.

He later said he had been a sexual abuse victim as a child, but the judge cut him off, telling Castro he would have an opportunity to speak at his sentencing hearing.

The plea deal comes more than a month after a statement issued on behalf of the women said they were "hopeful for a just and prompt resolution" and had "great faith in the prosecutor's office and the court".

Castro, 53, had been scheduled to go on trial on August 5, charged with 977 offences.

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This plea deal is bull crap. He didn't have to agree to plead guilty. He was guilty as sin. Sick bastard deserved the death penalty. Perhaps he'll find true justice in prison.

 

[JetWing34]

His freedom is permanently gone and will spend the rest of his life in a cell. Enough said.

 

[Evil Eye]

1000 years?
What's the point?