Skaggs
People v. Skaggs
Opinion
Opinion
Haerle, J.
I. Introduction
Billy Joe Skaggs (Skaggs) was convicted by a jury of inflicting pain or mental suffering on an elder (Pen. Code, § 368, subd. (a)), assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury (Pen. Code, § 245, subd. (a)(1)) and intimidating a witness or victim (Pen. Code, § 136.1, subd. (c)(1)). The trial court also found true an on-bail enhancement and the existence of two prior prison convictions. Skaggs was sentenced to a total of five years in prison.
On appeal, Skaggs challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support his convictions, alleges instructional error and claims he was denied his constitutional right to represent himself. We affirm the judgment.
II. Statement of Facts
Viewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, the record discloses the following incident which gave rise to Skaggs’s convictions. On the evening of May 27, 1994, Skaggs arrived at the home of his 76-year-old mother, Bessie Clevenger, in time for dinner. He had been drinking, and brought with him a large bottle of Schnapps. After dinner, Skaggs made a phone call. When Ms. Clevenger told him to get off the phone, Skaggs became enraged.