By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – An elderly convicted child molester from Bloomington, who stabbed himself in the stomach after a jury found him guilty, was granted a delay in his sentencing on Friday.

Johnny Icard, 78, defended himself at trial, but hired a lawyer on Wednesday as he faces a sentence of six to 60 years in prison.

Despite objections from the prosecution and victim’s family, private Bloomington attorney David Rumley convinced McLean County Judge Casey Costigan to re-set the sentencing for November 2nd so that Rumley can review trial transcripts, file motions, and perhaps appeal the conviction.

Icard was in handcuffs when he appeared in court Friday, but he was out on bond during his trial in July. Icard allegedly smuggled a folding knife past courthouse security and stabbed himself when the jury found him guilty of sexually assaulting a six-year old girl in Bloomington last year.

Assistant State’s Attorney Jacob Harlow declined to say if he intends to present evidence at sentencing indicating Icard may have molested other children. Harlow does say he intends to present a lengthy case at the hearing.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]