Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that this morning Lawrence resident Shane S. Allen, 31, was sentenced by the Court to 24 months probation with Community Corrections.  Special terms of his probation include that he must receive substance abuse treatment, refrain from drugs and alcohol, he must submit to random drug testing, take all medications as prescribed and he must follow a treatment plan developed by his mental health provider.  His underlying sentence to probation is 27 months in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections.  He was awarded 245 days jail credit.

During the sentencing hearing, Senior Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple advised the Court that Allen obtained a very thorough mental health evaluation.  She said, “The parties believe this is going to be more important to deal with the underlying issues than the domestic violence plan.”

On December 2, Allen entered a no contest plea to two counts of aggravated battery.  The state offered the plea only after consulting with the victim.  The case was originally filed following an investigation by the Lawrence Police Department after they were called to the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Emergency Room on April 18, 2016.  The victim had been beaten by Allen.  She was treated for injuries that included cuts and bruises that covered her body.  She had met Allen using the Tinder mobile phone application.

Today’s sentencing was held in the courtroom of the Honorable Sally D. Pokorny.  The case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department and it was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple.

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