People v. Williams

A jury convicted appellant, Giovanni Christopher Williams, of assault, robbery, making criminal threats, child abuse and assault with a deadly weapon. The jury also found true several weapons and prior conviction enhancements. The trial court sentenced appellant to 17 years in state prison.

Contrary to appellant’s contention, he was not denied his rights to confront witnesses, to be present at trial and to due process when the trial court allowed the adult prosecuting witness, who suffered from established physical and mental disabilities, to testify at trial by means of a prior videotaped recording. The videotape played for the jury was recorded while the witness was in the courtroom and examined and cross-examined by counsel, and while appellant was in a detention cell wired so he could hear the witness’s testimony. Also, the trial court properly admitted into evidence and played for the jury the videotaped recording of a police interview of the prosecuting witnesses. The recording was admissible as a prior consistent statement (Evid. Code, §§ 1236, 791, subd. (b)) and not unduly prejudicial (Evid. Code, § 352).

Facts

1. Prosecution Evidence

a. Testimony of Adam…