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Springfield Man Sentenced to 8 Life Terms
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Forty-four-year-old Derrick Alexander knew he would be receiving a mandatory life sentence for sexual assault when he appeared in Sangamon County Circuit Court.

But by the time the hearing was over Thursday, the Springfield resident had been handed eight consecutive natural life sentences, plus 45 years.

Alexander had pleaded guilty to 20 criminal counts from his assault of a 24-year-old woman in 2008. A similar conviction in 1983 made life in prison mandatory.

Judge Leslie Graves sentenced Alexander to life terms on each of eight counts of aggravated criminal assault and 45 years for home invasion, residential burglary and robbery.

Prosecutors said Alexander drew 20 years for the rape of a 7-year-old girl in 1983.

He also has convictions for robbery, residential burglary and aggravated assault against a police officer.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
12 10 09 by Newsroom
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