SALEM, Mass. (AP) — A Libyan man treated in the United States for bullet wounds he received in his nation's efforts to overthrow dictator Moammar Gadhafi (MOO'-ah-mar gah-DAH'-fee) has pleaded guilty to throwing an electronic stapler at a Massachusetts nurse.
Omar Altwati will not face punishment on charges including assault and battery because he is leaving the U.S. this week. His lawyer says the conviction is enough to prevent him from ever re-entering the country.
The Salem News (http://bit.ly/R2lkkB ) reports that prosecutors sought probation.
Authorities say he threw the heavy stapler at the nurse at Salem's Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital on July 25, hitting her in the chest. She wasn't hurt.
His lawyer says Altwati was frustrated after waiting a long time for a ride from a Boston hospital to Salem, and was fasting for Ramadan.
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Information from: The Salem (Mass.) News, http://www.salemnews.com
