Aurora man guilty of severely beating girlfriend

A Kane County jury has convicted an Aurora man of severely beating his girlfriend more than two years ago, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Frederick Hampton, 42, of the 100 block of West Galena Boulevard, was found guilty Tuesday of felony aggravated domestic battery and two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery. The jury deliberated about 40 minutes.

Prosecutors said Hampton pushed his girlfriend against a wall and kicked her in the sides and head after she fell to the floor on Feb. 22, 2007.

Assistant State's Attorney Nydia Molina said the victim, who received a black eye, bruises and a lacerated liver in the attack, showed "tremendous courage" by confronting Hampton at trial.

"We are pleased that the jury saw through the defendant's attempts to continue to hold power and control over the victim, and to minimize her injuries and his actions," Molina said.

Hampton, whose bond was revoked upon conviction, faces probation or three to seven years in prison at sentencing Dec. 10 in front of Judge Patricia P. Golden.

In a pending, unrelated case with a separate victim, Hampton also is charged with aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint, among other charges, prosecutors said. He also faces drug charges in yet another unrelated case that is pending.