Seymour Attacker Gets Probation

8 months ago 06th Jun 04:21

The woman accused of attacking Simon Cowell's ex-girlfriend Terri Seymourlast month (May09) has been sentenced to probation after pleading guiltyto one count of battery.

Janice Thibodeaux faced charges of misdemeanour assault and battery after placing her hands around TV presenter Seymour's throat during the taping of the American Idol finale on 19 May.

Thibodeaux claimed she was motivated by footage of Cowell pretending tothrottle his fellow Idol judge Paula Abdul on the hit reality show, adding that she wanted to confront Seymour about her ex's behaviour.

She pleaded not guilty when she was arraigned in court on 21 May (09), but prosecutors subsequently dropped the assault charge, and on Thursday (04Jun09), Thibodeaux entered a guilty plea to the battery allegation.

The woman was sentenced to 36 months probation and must complete 20 days of community work.

She must also undergo counselling - but has the choice of either anger management classes or 36 hours of psychiatric evaluation, reports Tmz.com.

Thibodeaux is due back in court on 16 July (09) for a report on her progress.

Seymour was granted a restraining order against Thibodeaux just days after the attack.