When Persistence Meets Abduction Attempt

While many have experienced first-hand the alluring effects of desire, a defendant in a recent Virginia case, Gray v. Commonwealth, claimed that his attempted abduction and assault and battery convictions were nothing more than romantic persistence.

The trial court found that the defendant's argument was inconsistent with his actions. Defendant pursued the victim, obstructed her path, and grabbed her collar - which showed that the defendant had the intent to deprive the victim of her liberty. The higher court agreed with the trial court. Perhaps grand romantic gestures cross the line when the pursuer attempts to corner the object of his affection.