City man pleads guilty to assault

LYNN – A city man pleaded guilty to assault charges but was sentenced to time served and probation for stabbing a man who violated court orders to visit the defendant’s Union Street home in December.The victim had also just gotten out of jail for assaulting the defendant and for charges against the defendant’s wife.Clarence Ash, 40, of 27 Union St. #16, pleaded guilty last week to assault with a dangerous weapon; and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. A charge of mayhem was dismissed.Police responded to the Union Street address at 11:32 a.m. Dec. 3 and found Ash and the alleged victim outside. Ash immediately confessed to stabbing the victim and was arrested.The victim – a 26-year-old man – had multiple stab wounds on his right hand, the left part of his face and on the back of his neck as well as a nearly-severed thumb.The victim had been released from jail two days prior and come to Lynn to visit his ex-girlfriend, who was now Ash’s wife. Attorneys have disputed whether Ash allowed the victim into the home or not, but both sides acknowledged an argument ensued and Ash armed himself with two kitchen knives.”I don’t dispute there is likely a legitimate self-defense claim,” Essex Assistant District Attorney Mark Byron said Monday in Lynn District Court. “But it looks like this defendant brought the knife to the fight, and the injuries are quite severe.”Byron requested Ash be sentenced to 18 months in a house of corrections, 9 months to be served, and the balance suspended for 18 months. In addition, Byron requested that Ash be ordered to stay away and have no contact with the victim; possess no weapons; undergo anger management classes; complete 40 hours of community service and pay restitution in an amount to be determined.Defense attorney Alicia Andrews requested an 18-month sentence with 3 months to be served and the balance suspended for 18 months. She also requested Ash be ordered to stay away from the victim, pay restitution and receive 98 days credit.”(The victim) comes to Mr. Ash’s home, in violation of the active restraining order Mrs. Ash had with (the victim) and active harassment order that Clarence Ash had with (the victim),” Andrews said.Lynn District Court Judge James Wexler sentenced Ash to the terms Andrews requested with the probation conditions requested by the Commonwealth, giving Ash credit for time served.