Great Bend Post

GREAT BEND – A former Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper appeared in the Barton County courtroom Monday for a motion hearing on charges of assault and battery.

Darrin Hirsh, 38, was convicted in December of 2015 with aggravated assault, two counts of criminal threat, and one count of domestic battery in connection with a threat against his wife and children from an incident in March of 2013.

The Barton County Judge is considering a judgement of acquittal and a new trial in the case based on juror misconduct and possibly biased jurors.

The Judge is expected to rule on Friday, April 15 if the court needs to reexamine the case based on biased jury members.

The defense stated a few jury members have encountered domestic violence in some fashion in their personal lives and their judgement could be prejudiced in this case.

The defense was denied judgement of acquittal based on police work. Hirsh’s attorney said there is no way to base a conviction on Candice Hirsh’s statements after she openly said she gave false comments to the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Darrin Hirsh was also denied bond until his sentencing despite making the appeal that he will miss the birth of his fourth son on May 5, 2016.

Hirsh spent 13 years with the Kansas High Patrol. Hirsh has been held at the Barton County Jail since his December 22, conviction.
Hirsh’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 9.