A Cobb County man who was his own attorney during his trial on battery and stalking charges is now facing 10 years in prison.
“You insisted on representing yourself. You did a horrible job,” Judge A. Gregory Poole told Torrey Dametrius Coleman, 44, of Marietta, after he was convicted Thursday, according to Kim Isaza, spokeswoman for the Cobb County District Attorney’s office.
In the 2015 incident, Coleman initially was charged with battery against the woman at her residence in Acworth, Isaza said.
Days later, after he was released from jail on bond, Coleman went to her house, although he was to have no contact with her, Isaza said. Police found him hiding in her garage.
Coleman was convicted of family violence battery, simple battery, aggravated stalking, criminal attempt to commit aggravated stalking, and obstruction of an officer.
After the prison term, Coleman will spend five years on probation.
“This verdict sends a message to both the victims and perpetrators of domestic violence,” Assistant District Attorney Shep Orlow said. “To the victims of domestic violence, many of whom are reluctant to report it out of fear of retaliation, know that if you come forward, the state will be your advocate. To the perpetrators, know that your community will hold you accountable.”
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