She was the first to enter a plea and the last to be sentenced

Even though she was the first from the Manila 5 to resolve her case, Catherine Fode was the last to be sentenced today.

Counts 1, 2 and special allegations were dismissed by the People. Fode's pleaded guilty to Count 3 PC 192 (a) and the special allegation is for PC 12022 (a) (1). It is an open plea.

Mr. Neal Sanders is Fode's attorney. Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosrcutor for the case.

Before statements by the attorneys, Judge Christopher Wilson said probation is denied. He said he intends to sentence Fode to the mid term for Count 3. The family made statements. With five defendants, their feelings have been addressed in previous coverage. 

Mr. Sanders made an impassioned argument for Fode to get probation. He said his client had no significant record, no likelihood of reoffending and that she had served almost four years in custody. 

Fode also made a statement. Judge Wilson said the sentencings have been difficult in this case. He said he has to apply the law without letting emotion cloud his judgement. While he agreed with some points Mr. Sanders made, he went through each criteria for probation and his final decision was to deny probation. Fode was sentenced to 6 years for Count 3 with an additional year for the enhancement. Total credit 1, 607 days.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer is the prosecutor for the case. Mr. Neal Sanders is Fode's attorney.

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