By: David Rice
Re: In The News

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (ITN) * A man accused of threatening an abortion
doctor and his family was convicted Friday of stalking.

Alan M. Smith, 41, faces similar allegations in a lawsuit the
Justice Department filed under the Federal Access to Clinic
Entrances Act.

Dr. Gerald Applegate of Wexford, Pa., claimed that Smith ran him
off the road, cursed him, sent him nasty letters, demonstrated
outside his home and offices, and threatened him and his family.

Municipal Judge Patrick Kerrigan sentenced Smith to the maximum
six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, then suspended four months
of the jail sentence and half the fine.

Smith also was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to
perform 200 hours of community service. The sentence was delayed
pending appeal; Smith was free on bail

"Hopefully, this will send a message to him and his band of thugs
that they cannot use this type of violent action against medical
providers," said Applegate, who works in Youngstown and Pittsburgh.

Smith is due in court Feb. 15, when the government will ask for an
injunction barring him from harassing the doctor. He's already
under a temporary order to leave Applegate alone.

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 * OFFLINE 1.58 * Creationism: Protozoa can't "pop into being," but a *SUPREME
BEING* can.