Council President's Attacker Convicted

Johnston Town Council President Robert Russo's attacker has been convicted of assault and sentenced to six months of probation, the Providence Journal reported.

District Court Judge Anthony Capraro found David Batista guilty of simple assault Tuesday after he punched Russo in the head outside a Providdence bakery in December. Batista suspected the council president of having an affair with his wife.

Russo told Patch Wednesday that he did not have an affair with Batista's wife, who works in Russo's law office. He said he has a friendship with her and had been trying to "referee family issues" like any friend would.

"It's idiotic. It a red herring he's using to cover up the issues he was having," Russo said. "It has nothing to do with her. He has issues he needs to deal with." 

During the trial Tuesday, Russo testified Batista punched him in the head and wrestled with him, causing cuts and bruises, and injuring his finger. Batista testified that Russo threw the lattes he was carrying and into the air and assumed a fighting position.

A bakery employee told the court Batista started the fight.