Defense attorney blames steroid abuse in bodybuilder's violent attack of girlfriend
(FOX 2) - A Macomb County man charged with the brutal beating of his girlfriend has pleaded no contest.
Home surveillance video from the incident last year is disturbing to watch. It shows 36-year-old Paul Bashi hitting and stabbing his girlfriend several times, nearly killing her inside their Washington Township home.
Authorities say Bashi kicked the woman more than 100 times in the July 2018 assault in their Washington County home. They say he also punched her 50 times, stabbed her two dozen times and hit her with a chair.
Bashi pleaded no contest to attempted murder, torture and illegal possessing steroids. Defense attorney David Griem blamed Bashi's steroid abuse in the attack.
A Macomb County judge has taken the plea under advisement.
A no-contest plea isn't an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing.
Bashi could face life in prison when he's sentenced next month. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 23. He remains jailed on a $5 million bond right now.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, there is help. Call the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224 or if you believe you are in danger use a safe computer or call 911. For resources in Michigan, click here.