Mt. Prospect man receives 5 years for pellet gun assault, retail theft

At his sentencing Tuesday in a Rolling Meadows courtroom, John Guy apologized for shooting a teenage golfer in the leg with a pellet gun last August, saying he never intended to hurt her.

Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Fecarotta disputed the Mount Prospect man's claim.

"When you point a weapon at someone and shoot it, that is not done unintentionally," said Fecarotta, who sentenced the 27-year-old to four years in prison in exchange for his guilty plea to aggravated battery and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. Guy had been convicted of delivery of a controlled substance in 2002.

Prosecutors say Guy shot at the victim as she played golf on the public course located at 700 W. Rand Road in Mount Prospect. A pellet struck her in the knee, causing her to fall, said Assistant State's Attorney Mike Gerber.

The victim required surgery for her injuries but has recovered, Gerber said.

Out on bond, Guy was arrested in October 2009 and charged with retail theft after he entered a Mount Prospect Home Depot, took faucets from a display and attempted to return them for a refund without having paid for them, Gerber said.

Fecarotta sentenced Guy to one year in prison for the theft. He must serve the sentences consecutively, but will receive credit for the 178 days he has been in custody.