Swing at officer costs Jennings one year

A man who took a swing at an officer so he would take him to jail where he could be with his friends and loved ones will get a wealth of family time as the court has thrown the drunk slugger behind bars for a year.

The defendant, Brian D. Jennings, 37, had the charge of aggravated assault reduced to assault Tuesday before General Sessions Judge Larry Ross and was given the maximum sentence for the reduced charge, that being one year in jail.

Jennings was charged after police arrived at his home on West End where he was drunk and disorderly. During their visit to his home, Jennings asked Police Sgt. Mark Mara to take him to jail, telling him all his friends and some of his family were there and he wanted to be with them.

Pointing out police are not a taxi service, the officer declined to give Jennings a ride to jail, prompting the drunk man to suggest he would take a swing at the officer if he did not give him a ride.

After being warned not to take a swing, Jennings threw a punch at Mara and was quickly taken to the ground, handcuffed and hauled to jail. It was later learned Jennings has 12 prior arrests for public intoxication.

While given an 11-month, 29-day sentence, Jennings may have to make other arrangements for his lodging in about eight months as good time accrues at a rate of eight days per month, meaning an inmate can get 96 days off per year just for good behavior behind bars.