The federal judge who will sentence Michael Vick has agreed to hear from animal welfare organizations about the specifics of dogfighting. U.S. Distict Court Judge Henry E. Hudson, in Richmond, will allow the groups to file legal briefs, but not actively participate in the sentencing hearing scheduled for Dec. 10. Eleven animal rights groups collectively filed a court motion Sept. 5 detailing the harm to dogs and recommending a 57-month sentence for Vick. The Falcons quarterback entered a guilty plea in the federal case on Aug. 27 on felony charges related to dogfighting.
Separately, Quanis Phillips will remain in prison after having his release request to the U.S. District Court of Eastern Virginia denied. Phillips, a codefendant of Vick in the case, was placed in custody at his plea agreement hearing last month for admitted use of marijuana while out on pre-trial supervision. Hudson denied the request on Tuesday, saying in the order that Phillips' "inability to remain clear of illegal drugs for more than 12 days while previously on supervision is troubling." Phillips is scheduled for sentencing after a guilty plea on Nov. 30.
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