Man who brutally beat his former boss with a piece of steel sentenced

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. (WXYZ) - Jony Alatto was apologetic as he stood before a judge in court. 

"I'm sorry for letting my emotions get in the way earlier,” he said to a judge before his sentencing at the Macomb County Courthouse in Clinton Township.

Just a year ago, Alatto brutally beat John Mass with a piece of steel as he was leaving his business.  Alatto previously had worked at the victim’s car wash business.

Mass addressed the court about his challenging recovery.  “I’m still going to doctors and still have dizziness.   I am still going to be seen by more doctors.  I have a doctor appointment tomorrow for dizziness,”  said Mass.

Mass asked the judge to punish his attacker to the fullest extent of the law.

Alatto was sentenced to ten years in prison.  His family was in Court and they were outraged by the judge’s ruling.

One family member had an outburst in the court room and screamed at the victim, his loved ones, and the judge.

Two families’ lives had dramatically changed by the events that unfolded the night of the attack.  “I have to say what I went through was a horrible time.  Tragic.  Tragedy for me and my family,” said Mass, “Justice is done now.”

Mass’s family put their arms around him, and were at his side for emotional support throughout the sentencing and even as they left the courtroom.

 “I’m pleased with the sentence.  It was as good as we can hope for,” said Samuel Mass the victim’s son, “So as my father said, he believes justice was done.  So we’re happy with the outcome.”

Alatto’s attorney David Draper tells 7 Action News he is not happy with today’s ruling  but respects the judge’s decision.

Mass says since the incident he has received so much support from people and he is grateful to them.