CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A judge has cut the sentence of a man
who kidnaped a Lowcountry barbecue baron by 13 years.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports Circuit Judge
Michelle Childs reduced 52-year-old Charles Priest's sentence from
38 years to 25 years Thursday because a medical evaluation found he
was a low risk to commit another crime if he remained sober.

Authorities say Priest tied his boss Tommy Bessinger Jr. to a
chair and tied what turned out to be a fake bomb to his arm,
demanding $500,000 or he would blow up Bessinger and his family.

The new sentence means Priest will be eligible for parole after
he turns 70.

Michael Bessinger says his brother is worried Priest might seek
revenge if he is ever released.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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