Ex-MMA fighter gets 13-year term for fracturing cop's skull

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:57 p.m. ET

foxsports

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (AP) A former mixed martial arts fighter has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for fracturing the skull of a New York police officer who was trying to arrest him.

James Hilton, of Lake George, also was given five years' post-release supervision during his sentencing Friday in Schenectady County Court. He was convicted of a felony assault charge in October.

Prosecutors say the 34-year-old Hilton was drunk on a Schenectady city street on the night of Aug. 1, 2015, when Patrolman Mark Weekes tried to arrest him. Hilton began punching Weekes, beating him so badly he fractured the officer's skull.

Hilton was later found nearby hiding in a trash bin.

During trial, Hilton's lawyer said his client suffered post-traumatic stress disorder from his service with the Marines in Iraq.