EKB News

Emotions were running high in Pike County Circuit Court this afternoon as Judge Eddy Coleman imposed a sentence of life in prison for James Robinson. Robinson was convicted of Murder last week by a Pike County Jury after a week long trial ending with the jury finding the 22 Robinson of Sidney guilty of killing his 21 month old step-daughter Holly Grace Lockard.
Prosecutors argued that James and his wife Amber Robinson caused the death of Lockard, who medical examiners testified died of blunt force trauma to the head and suffered many bruises and lacerations during her final days.
As sentencing got underway this afternoon Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Elizabeth Burchett asked that Holly’s Grandmother Jeannie Guest read a letter written for Judge Coleman to consider before imposing the sentence.
“We were fortunate to share many firsts with her (Holly Lockard). Her first tooth, her first steps… what’s been taken away is her first day at school, her first dance, going away to college, her first job and her future” stated a teary Guest as she pleaded her case to Coleman. “Her last six weeks were filled with fear, abuse neglect and broken bones all the way up until her death because of James Robinson.”
Judge Coleman then asked if there were any objections to opposing sentencing to which the gallery stood quiet.
“Mr. Robinson I’ve reviewed the pre-sentence investigative report” Coleman said before continuing with the final phase of this murder trial. “I’m going to judge you as guilty of Murder and I’m going to impose the sentence recommended by the jury of life in a state penitentiary.”
Robinson has 30 days to file an appeal to his life sentence. He will be eligible for parole in 20 years.