A man was sentenced Monday for his role in the skateboard beating of an Australian tourist who was thrown, unconscious, into a smoldering Ocean Beach fire pit.
As part of a plea deal worked out with prosecutors, Francisco "Frankie" Antonio Montoya was sentenced to two years in prison for his part in the attack on Rob Schneider on his birthday on Feb. 27, 2008. Montaya pleaded guilty in February to assault with a deadly weapon.
With credit for time served -- Montaya has been incarcerated for 510 days in connection to the case -- he could still face an additional 220 days in custody. If he is credited with good behavior, however, it's possible he could be released soon.
Montoya was a transient at the time of the attack, which involved a second suspect, Damian Maple. Maple also cut a deal with prosecutors. He is expected to receive a 14-year sentence next month.
Montoya was ordered by the court to pay $2,091 in restitution, but it's not clear to whom. Restitution is usually paid at the request of the family in such cases. There were no comments from attorneys after the sentencing.
Schneider, 26, an Australian electrician traveling the world, was attacked around 5:30 a.m. A witness told police Schneider threw sand in Montoya's face, and 15 minutes later, Montoya threw sand back at Schneider, then punched him and
repeatedly hit him in the head with a skateboard.
The witness said Maple egged Montoya on, then started hitting Schneider with the skateboard before dragging the unconscious man into a fire pit.
The witness said he pulled Schneider out of the pit, but Maple scooped up some hot coals and dumped them on the victim's stomach, then pushed Schneider's head into the sand.
Schneider ended up with cuts to his forehead, burns on his back and torso, a broken eye socket and wrist and crushed skull.
Maple also admitted to attacking another man in Ocean Beach on Feb. 9, 2008.
