Grayslake man pleads not guilty to attempted murder

A Grayslake man who police said attacked his girlfriend while reciting passages from the Bible pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Stephen Irish, 23, faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder and aggravated domestic battery if convicted in the Nov. 29 attack.

Assistant State's Attorney Rod Drobinski said Grayslake police were called around 3 a.m. to Irish's residence in the 900 block of Chesapeake Boulevard.

An 18-year-old female from Libertyville who identified herself as Irish's girlfriend told police Irish had taken a large kitchen knife as was waving it around while referring to it as “The sword of God,” Drobinski said.

The woman told police Irish knocked her down and choked her while telling her he was going to kill her, Drobinski said.

Drobinski said the woman was able to break free and call police, then refused medical attention after authorities arrived.

Irish was taken into custody and is held on $2 million bond.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak scheduled a trial of the case for Jan. 28 and ordered Irish to appear in court Dec. 22.