Sentencing is set for 2:30 p.m. today.
UPDATE, 3:45 p.m.: Ellison was sentenced Monday afternoon to 9 1/2 to 10 years in state prison. Click here for a new story.
SPRINGFIELD - Roland Ellison was found guilty today of assault and battery on a correctional officer for the severe beating of Joseph Giannetti at the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow.
Ellison is slated to be sentenced at 2:30 p.m. for pummeling and kicked Giannetti, a correctional officer, repeatedly on Jan. 5, 2011, causing a severe concussion, a broken rib, fractured cheek and forehead lacerations.
Ellison, 32, refused to be brought into the courtroom from the court lockup when Judge Constance M. Sweeney sent jurors out for deliberation in the morning, and then refused to be brought into the courtroom when the jury had a question and for the verdict.
Sweeney said it was within Ellison's right not to appear for those matters, but he must appear for sentencing. She said the court will find a way to assure Ellison is present for his sentencing and that public safety is protected.
The Hampden Superior Court jury acquitted Ellison's co-defendant Alex Gonzalez. The prosecution argued although Ellison was alone in the assault, Gonzalez planned it with him and was willing to assist.
About 30 colleagues of Giannetti were on hand to see the verdict, waiting all morning for the jury, which came back with the verdict shortly after noon.
Edward C. Bryant, Ellison's lawyer, asked the court to order a mental health exam of Ellison by the court mental health staff before sentencing.
Sweeney denied the request, saying Ellison has shown deliberate, manipulative behavior and this is another attempt to delay what will happen to him.
On at least one day of the trial Ellison would not come into the courtroom in the morning for an hour, delaying the trial and keeping jurors and the court waiting.
