NC man pleads guilty to assaulting woman with a hammer

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WSPA) – A Hendersonville man pleaded guilty to a violent sexual assault act that took place in front of a minor.

33-year-old Francisco Bastian-Castaneda pled guilty to a plea agreement to first-degree sex offense, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury, first-degree kidnapping and assault inflicting serious injury with a minor present.

On May 11, 2023, investigators responded to a home where Bastian-Castaneda, a woman and two children resided.

It was reported that Bastian-Castaneda was enraged over an incident involving the woman when he broke into her bedroom with a hammer to confront her.

The suspect located the woman bathing in the bathroom. Investigators said Bastian-Castaneda hit her in the left temple with the hammer, attempted to drown her and then sexually molested her.

The victim’s five-year-old child was present during the crime according to officials.

During the three-day hearing, the victim said that her children had been receiving intensive counseling. She requested that Bastian-Castaneda receive a prison sentence that ensured he was not released until her children were adults.

Bastian-Castaneda was sentenced to 20 to 29 years in prison.

Officials said upon release from prison, he must register as a sexual offender.

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