Bail continued for Lynn pair in beating

SALEM – A Superior Court judge continued the bail for a Lynn couple accused of violently beating and robbing a city man, leaving him face down on the sidewalk in a pool of blood three months ago.James S. Pearson, 28, and Tabbatha Gauthier, 32, both of 126 Union St., #33, entered their innocent pleas at their arraignment in Salem Superior Court to a charge of unarmed robbery, a crime that could net them each a life sentence in state prison.Pearson also pleaded innocent to a second charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, shod foot.Judge David A. Lowy agreed to continue the $10,000 cash bail for Pearson.Bail for Gauthier was set at $750 with the condition that if she is bailed she must enter and complete the Salvation Army inpatient program and also must refrain from all alcohol and illegal substances with random screenings.Pearson was taken back to the Middleton Jail and held in lieu of bail, but his defense lawyer may seek a bail hearing at another court date.Gauthier also remains held in lieu of bail at Framingham State Prison for Women.The charges arise out of an incident on June 18 when the 50-year-old victim, Steven Fennelly, was found by police lying face down on the sidewalk in front of the city?s public library in a pool of blood at around 10:30 p.m.Witnesses told authorities they observed the male robber, later identified as Pearson, kicking the victim?s head as he went down on the ground and then grabbed his wallet and fled.The suspects were later found nearby walking near City Hall and were reportedly identified by witnesses as the pair that robbed the victim.During booking, police said they found a Citizens Bank ATM card and a Visa gift card on Gauthier in her pants pocket with the victim?s name on both.Their next scheduled appearance is Oct. 12 for a pretrial conference.Assistant District Attorney Kim M. Faitella is prosecuting the case for the state.