HARTFORD, Conn. — A New Britain man who admitted to attacking Connecticut State Rep. Maryam Kham after a Muslim prayer service last summer will spend the next five years behind bars.
Andrey Desmond, 30, pleaded guilty to assault, strangulation, attempted sexual assault and other crimes.
“I'm glad that this has come to a close. I look forward to putting this behind me,” Khan said.
In court today, Desmond’s defense team said he had a 20-year battle with Schizophrenia and other mental health challenges, noting he was not taking medication when he assaulted the representative last June.
“I just want to say what happened was out of my control. I didn't have any self control,” Desmond told the court June 4.
Since being held in Connecticut custody, his attorney said he now takes regular medication, and it’s given him the clarity to look back at his actions with remorse.
“He's very got regretful for what happened. He's extremely regretful. He is so sorry that he caused pain for the totally decompensated that schizophrenia had taken over,” his defense attorney said.
While the judge overseeing the case expressed sympathy to the defendant, he delivered a sentence he feels will prevent Desmond from harming another person.
“I accept the that he had never really had an experience quite like that before, and it has taken many months if not longer than he's been incarcerated as DLC has tried different medication combinations that he stands here today, far more mentally sound than he has been in quite some time,” the judge said.
The judge delivered a punishment of five years and two days of incarceration and nearly 16 years of special parole. That includes conditions of mandatory mental health evaluations and routine drug testing.
Also attached to the sentence is a Standing Order of Protection to ensure Desmond does not harm or contact Khan or her three children.
“I’m just glad for the individual to finally get some of the medical care he needs and I look forward to moving forward,” Khan said.
Khan added that the case highlights the failures in the mental health system, and she plans to offer solutions during her time in public office.
Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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