Jail sentence for ex-NASA astronaut

A former NASA astronaut accused of attacking and trying to kidnap a romantic rival pleaded guilty to lesser charges today and…

A former NASA astronaut accused of attacking and trying to kidnap a romantic rival pleaded guilty to lesser charges today and was sentenced to two days in jail followed by one year of probation.

Lisa Nowak was arrested on February 5th, 2007, after police said she drove more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from Houston to Orlando International Airport, disguised herself and assaulted Colleen Shipman, who was then an Air Force captain.

Police said Ms Nowak told them she wore diapers in her car so she would not have to make as many stops along the way.

Before the sentencing, Ms Shipman tearfully told the court she believed she had narrowly escaped being killed in what she called the vicious attack in a dark parking lot.

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"I believe I escaped a horrible death that night," Ms Shipman said, adding that Ms Nowak had researched "corpse dismemberment" before the attack.

Ms Shipman was dating NASA astronaut Bill Oefelein, with whom Ms Nowak also had a romantic relationship.

Ms Nowak was originally charged with attempted kidnapping, battery and burglary.

She pleaded guilty to misdemeanour battery and burglary of an automobile.

Judge Marc Lubet took into account that it was Ms Nowak's first offense and granted leniency. He gave her credit for time already spent in jail, making the two-day sentence moot.

He ordered Ms Nowak to prepare and send to Ms Shipman a sincere letter of apology and then to have no further contact with her or Mr Oefelein.

NASA later fired both Ms Nowak and Mr Oefelein. Ms Shipman testified she had lost her Air Force job because of health problems related to the attack.

Reuters