Former anesthesiologist Rene Boucher, DO, who pleaded guilty to attacking his neighbor, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was ordered to pay more than $580,000 in damages and medical expenses, CBS News reports.
What you should know:
1. Dr. Boucher tackled Mr. Paul, who was outside doing yard work, in late 2017. Mr. Paul sustained several broken ribs and said he feared for his life.
2. The attack was motivated by a dispute over lawn care, not politics. Appearing apologetic during the three-day trial, Dr. Boucher testified he had been badly burned the day before the attack, after setting fire to brush Mr. Paul piled near the boundary separating their yards. He said he had been spurned when he tried to confront Mr. Paul about his concerns.
3. In March 2018, Dr. Boucher pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of Congress and served a 30-day prison sentence, according to CNN. He also paid a $10,000 fine and did 100 hours of community service.
4. A Kentucky jury awarded Mr. Paul $375,000 in punitive damages, $200,000 for pain and suffering and $7,834 for medical expenses Jan. 30.
5. Dr. Boucher's lawyer said they will appeal the verdict, which "far exceeded" anything they expected.