Haines avoids trial by reaching agreement on assault charge

<p>Former state Sen. Doug Haines has reached an agreement that will enable him to avoid a trial on a simple assault charge. Instead, Haines will do 40 hours of community service.</p><p>He also must undergo evaluation for anger management issues within the next six months, a process that will be overseen by a probation officer. He will also pay a $300 fee and $30 a month for supervision until Oct. 28.</p><p>The agreement prevents Haines from having any contact with Catherine Barton, who accused him of threatening to cut her head off in a fit of road rage.</p><p>If Haines completes the program, charges will be dismissed and his record will be expunged.</p><p>Barton, then 16, accused Haines last August of pulling in front of her car at an intersection, cursing at her, threatening to cut her head off and beating on her car door.</p><p>Haines admitted in an October court appearance confronting Barton but said she was speeding and running stop signs, and he was afraid his young daughter would run into the road.</p><p>Haines, a lawyer, served one term in the Georgia Senate before a 2002 election defeat by Republican Brian Kemp. He also ran in the Democratic primary of the District 12 congressional race, but lost to John Barrow.</p><p>___</p><p>HASH(0x1cd9c94)</p>