Man pleads guilty to assault

A Cape Girardeau man pleaded guilty Tuesday to assault, admitting he repeatedly struck a young relative in the face.

Roger D. Grubbs, 36, of Parkwood Lake Estates faces from one day to a year in the county jail and possible fines up to $1,000.

Assistant prosecuting attorney Lora E. Cooper said the plea "saved everybody some heartache, especially the victim."

According to court records, on June 14, Grubbs became angry with a 10-year-old nephew and hit the boy on both sides of his face.

A caller to the child abuse hotline reported the incident and said the boy had a large bruise on his face.

Cape Girardeau County prosecutors amended an original felony charge of child abuse to misdemeanor assault.

Grubbs, who is free on bond, will be sentenced Feb. 19.