Barrys denied a court-appointed attorney
by KATE THAYER
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kthayer@kcchronicle.com
ST. CHARLES – A judge denied Geneva sisters access to a court-appointed attorney as they appeal their elder neglect conviction.
Associate Judge Allen Anderson convicted Jill and Julie Barry, 55 and 48, of criminal neglect of an elderly person after a bench trial this spring. Earlier this month, he sentenced each of the women to a year of conditional discharge – a form of probation – and community service.
The Barrys are appealing their case to the 2nd District Appellate Court and asked Anderson if he could appoint the Office of the Appellate Defender for financial reasons.
Anderson denied that request Tuesday despite their claims that they do not have enough income. He has said that the Barrys home on Peyton Street is considered an asset.
Julie Barry works at a local supermarket, while Jill Barry hasn't had steady work since she was charged in the case.
Prosecutors say the Barry sisters neglected their 84-year-old mother, who died in April 2007 from pneumonia, enhanced by dehydration and malnourishment.
At trial, doctors and other witnesses testified that Mary Virginia Barry was extremely thin and was covered in bed sores when she was taken to Delnor Hospital the week before she died.
The Barry sisters say their mother refused to get hospice care or other medical help.
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