During a domestic dispute, Tony Robinson heaved a concrete slab through the windshield of his girlfriend’s car while her son was in the back seat. Mr. Robinson justified his behavior by claiming that his girlfriend was attempting to run him over and his action was one of self-defense. The victim stated that Mr. Robinson was standing near the rear of her car as she reversed and then he ran toward her house prior to obtaining the concrete slab. Her son and she explained that she never hit Mr. Robinson with the vehicle.
Clayton Superior Court listened to both sides of their arguments and convicted Mr. Robinson of aggravated assault, criminal damage to property in the second degree, and cruelty to children in the third degree. The Court of Appeals agreed with the trial court’s decision, rejecting Mr. Robinson’s self-defense plea and allowing the admission of his prior breaks with the law as evidence. The Court also pointed out that “credibility issues” fell under the jury’s responsibility.