CLEVELAND -- The man who beat his former girlfriend with a hammer while their children slept across the hall has been sentenced to 14 years in jail. Seven months ago, John Whitfield locked his ex-girlfriend in her room, then went in with pepper spray and a hammer. He blinded her with the spray and then beat her repeatedly in the head with the hammer. Wednesday morning, he went before a judge and pleaded guilty. His sentence was the maximum allowed by law -- fourteen years in prison and five years probation. It's been a long seven months for Arela Leidy and her family, but Wednesday certainly offered closure. Leidy, due to the beatings, has limited ability to speak. She recently re-learned how to walk and do basic skills. Because of the need for her constant supervision, Leidy's parents have moved in with her. While healing is still a long road ahead, Leidy is proficient with a computer, along with texting, and intends to return to Cleveland State University to finish her degree.
