Sex offender delays sentencing by refusing to show in court

April 2, 2018 By Paul Frangipane Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Michael Mann was convicted of predatory sexual assault, sexual abuse and other sexually motivated charges at Brooklyn Supreme Court. Photo courtesy of the New York State Sex Offender Registry

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A registered sex offender refused to show up in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Monday to face a possible life sentence and hear a statement from his victim whom he raped and robbed in the middle of a Bushwick street.

With Supreme Court Justice Dena Douglas’ courtroom filled with court officers in preparation for Michael Mann’s sentencing, she announced that the 54-year-old refused to enter the courtroom.

While the judge was willing to proceed, legal aid attorney Melissa Kanas proposed pushing the sentencing back with a hearing. The judge subsequently adjourned Mann’s sentencing to April 12, giving him a chance to be present while ready to sentence him if he continues to refuse to appear.

A jury found Mann guilty of predatory sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexually motivated robbery and weapon possession on March 15 for the early-morning rape, according to court documents.

The 27-year-old victim was walking home around 2:45 a.m. from the Kosciuszko Street J subway station on Aug. 16, 2016 when Mann grabbed her from behind holding a knife.

While she gave him $5 when he asked for money, he began groping and kissing her. Mann then cut off her clothes and raped her while threatening her by saying he knew where she lived and would kill her.

He was arrested the next day when police responded to a call regarding a dispute and recognized him wearing the same clothes from an advisory for the assault.

Mann was previously convicted of first-degree rape in 1985, slapping him with a lifetime sex offender registration, according to the New York State Sex Offender Registry.

Prosecutors are prepared to read a statement from his victim at the next sentencing date.