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Although a judge in Hackensack sentenced James McGill (above, right) to four years in prison on Friday, that term will be drastically reduced by parole eligibility and 241 days of credit for time he’s already spent in jail, his lawyer told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
McGill, 44, came home last Nov. 20 to find a photo of his wife and another man on the laptop, along with messages indicating a relationship, ccording to defense attorney Ron Bar-Nadav (above, left).
In addition to beating her, leaving a huge lump on her forehead, McGill threatened to cut up their children and throw them in a river, authorities said.
The couple have five altogether — one of his, three of hers, and one together. His 15-year old son ran from the house barefoot and shouting for neighbors to call 911 during the incident.
The woman asked Superior Court Judge Edward A. Jerejian not to send McGill home “while he’s unhealthy.”
She said she was “made to feel like the guilty party…. I was attacked by DYFS and blamed by people in the community.
“I did not call the police on Mr. McGill, and I never told any lies. I would like to have a healthy way for him to see his children,” the woman told the judge. “I don’t know if that’s possible
“I admit I may have brought emotional stress on him, and if he thought I was cheating, I regret the problem that caused,” she added.
McGill has cheated on her several times during their relationship, she said.
“I have a little daughter who doesn’t know anything about this. She is only two,” the woman said. “I want him to have a relationship with his kids, but I want him to be healthy.
“And right now he isn’t.”
McGill apologized.
“I’m truly, truly sorry. I know I was out of line,” he said. “When I found out she was cheating I kind of lost it — and I know I had no right. And especially to my kids, I’m sorry.”
“Hopefully you’ll have time to think about that,” the judge said.
McGill, who pleaded guilty to second-degree child endangerment, is undergoing court-ordered Alternatives to Domestic Violence training and is restrained from contacting the family.
Once he’s released from prison, the judge said, McGill will most likely have supervised visits with the children, overseen by the state Division of Child Permanency and Placement.
The remaining charges are being dropped.
McGill was originally charged with second-degree aggravated assault; third-degree terroristic threats to kill or commit arson; two counts of third degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose for use of the laptop, phone cord, and a box cutter; restraining McGill unlawfully, exposing her to serious bodily injury; and two second degree counts of child abuse or neglect for committing the acts in front of two children, one 11 and one a year old.
“Don’t violate the restraining order when you come out, or you’ll be charged with another offense,” Jerejian told him.
STORY / PHOTO: Mary K. Miraglia, CLIFFVIEW PILOT Courthouse Reporter
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