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Haiden M. Sleister, 18, of Norfolk, who was convicted last month of assault and willful reckless driving, appeared in front of the Honorable Donna Taylor in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh on Feb. 16, for sentencing, alongside his court-appointed attorney, Antelope County public defender Melissa Figueroa. Sleister was convicted of the Sept. 23, 2021, assault of an Antelope County road-department employee, near the Oakdale lagoon, after the worker witnessed and intervened in an incident of reckless driving by the defendant.

The victim, Brock Coover, nor his wife were in the courtroom. County prosecutor Joe Abler noted the Coovers had been notified by letter. A woman spoke up, stating she was the Coover’s sister and would like to speak. Noting that Mrs. Coover had been in the courtroom for every hearing, Taylor called a recess and asked Abler to call the couple. When court resumed, Abler indicated the couple had health issues, beginning the previous evening, and had asked his sister to attend in their stead. Abler requested a continuance. The defense did not object. Sentencing for third-degree assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and willful reckless driving, a Class 3 misdemeanor, was continued to March 16. Bond, in the amount of $5,000, 10% cash, is continued.