Victim of fight outside Fresno restaurant confronts attacker in court

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- For the first time, the victim of a fight outside a Fresno restaurant got a chance to tell the man who nearly killed him how his life has changed since the tragedy. On Friday, the man responsible for causing that great bodily injury was sentenced to one year in jail.

Agaron Davoyan said he wanted to take the case to trial but didn't want to put his family through the emotions or expense. So, he accepted a deal. For three years, Davoyan said he has wanted to talk.

"First of all, and foremost, I'd like to ask for their forgiveness. I'm a person of faith, and I've forgiven for all the things that have been said about me. I'm not here to ask for leniency."

For the same amount of time, the family of the victim, Nick Burriel, has waited for justice.

"My son, he's in prison-- for the past three years in his mind. He continues to rehabilitate and act as normal as possible but he will never be the same again," said Nick Burriel Sr., victim's father.

Then the victim, who spent months in the hospital undergoing lifesaving treatment and then years in therapy, addressed the court.

"My physical abilities and my physical appearance are not what it looks like. Like my father told me, he dressed me this morning. To look nice. To look presentable. Every day I need help with everything I do. Tie my shoes, button my belt up. Everything," said Burriel Jr.

Davoyan had a lot of support, including his supervisor, from PG&E where he works, who said he was a man of great character and an award-winning employee. The judge was presented with proof Davoyan just got a master's degree and graduated with a 3.9-grade point average.

Before handing down punishment the judge noted the victims .21 blood alcohol level. He said Burriel Jr. also holds some responsibility for the fight. The victim and his family felt some justice was served the moment Davoyan was handcuffed and taken to jail.

If Davoyan receives good time credit he will likely only serve six months in jail. The Burriel family hoped for a three-year sentence.