On June 6, Joshua Benson, 21, of Idyllwild pled guilty to assault of a person by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury (Penal Code 245 (A)(4)). He now faces three years in the state prison system.

Benson had been arrested on May 25, two days after the incident, which occurred in front of Mountain Top Liquor on Highway 243.

Not only did he plead guilty to the attack, but he also admitted to the enhanced charges.

Benson waived his interest in a probation hearing and requested an immediate sentence. Judge Elaine Johnson denied probation. Then she sentenced him to three years in state prison for the attack. The court stayed an additional three years for the enhancements.