Bobby Liebling, the frontman and founding member of American doom metal pioneers Pentagram, has been sentenced by a court in Maryland to spend 18 months in prison for abuse and neglect of a vulnerable adult. After completing that sentence, he will be placed on supervised probation for three years. He was arrested in May for his actions and also charged with first degree assault, to which he pleaded not guilty, though he did plead guilty to the charge of abuse/neglect of a vulnerable adult, which is believed to be his 87 year old mother. This past spring, the doom metal legends had to perform dates without their frontman.

The court documents were unearthed by MetalSucks.

A recent statement from Pentagram bassist Greg Turley about the matter: "2015/2016 were the busiest years ever for Pentagram. New album and a full tour cycle kept us busier than ever and taking us to places we've never been and playing bigger shows than I ever imagined. November 2016, Gothenburg, Sweden I knew something was ending, I just didn't know what... Dealing with Bobby and his reoccurring demons was bringing us all down. Same story from the past, I know. Honestly, I thought Bobby would end up dying before we played another show. Turns out, he didn't die, just went off the rails and ended up assaulting his mom. Pretty much the worse thing someone could do in my opinion. He assaults the one and only person that has always taken up for him? Wow! Just horrible.

"He's now serving time in prison. Looks like he'll be there for the next 18 months. That's a lot of time to reflect on bad decisions and bad habits. The last six months have been quite a ride, continuing on without Bobby was an easy decision. Fans, investments and commitments all needed to be satisfied so we marched on. The positive support we received, especially from those who have attended the live shows has been truly amazing. Sucks to be put in this situation but we've made the best of it and exceeded even our own expectations.

"Don't know exactly what the future holds but the music of Pentagram is much larger than the individuals. Just look at the list of people that have been involved! Not only have I had the opportunity to be a part, I'm also one of the biggest fans. I mean, I truly never get burned out on these songs, from Forever My Queen to The Ghoul to City Romance to the last note on Curious Volume. I love them all?

"The 'Bobby IS Pentagram' argument baffles me. There is and has always been a great team behind him pushing forward. Sorry to disappoint everyone who thinks Bobby steers the ship... I've been fortunate to be the constant for the last 8 years and involved since 1993. There still is an inner drive to move forward and bring the music to whoever will listen. I would love to have Bobby at the front of the stage more than you know, but by his own actions/mistakes, he's removed himself. I've been to see him and keep in regular contact with him and he seems to understand that he 'messed up'. Now, he's got some time to work out his demons and try to make things right. What's next for us? I look to keep moving forward?Thanks for reading and thanks for your support."

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Pentagram