ESCANABA — An Escanaba man was found guilty by jury and faces life in prison after he allegedly attacked a woman with a sword and then attempted to bribe a witness to the crime.

On March 17, Bradley Michael Hardwick, 43, of Escanaba was convicted of felonious assault, perjury – inciting or procuring, court proceeding, and attempted witnesses – bribing/intimidating/interfering as a 3rd habitual offender. While he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, he could face consecutive sentences on the charges if lesser penalties are imposed.

At the trial, testimony was presented from Escanaba Public Safety officers that responded to a residence on North Lincoln Road on May 11, 2021, following a 911 call. The female victim reported to 911 dispatchers with Delta County Central Dispatch that Hardwick had attacked her with a sword in the home.

Officers located Hardwick outside the residence, as well as another woman. Hardwick and the woman appeared under the influence and were generally uncooperative. A search of the residence revealed a sword that was identified at the trial by the victim as the sword used in the assault, which left her injured.

Following the assault, Hardwick sent a letter to a male witness, requesting that he come to the court and tell the court that Hardwick did not use a weapon. Hardwick followed the request by indicating that the man should “lie if needed” and Hardwick would pay him $500 after his statement.

Hardwick testified at the trial and admitted he intended to pay the witness as “his statement was valuable.” He also testified that he believed “his truth” was that he did not assault the victim. He told the jury he had no recollection of the events that occurred on May 11, 2021.

At trial, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Lauren Wickman highlighted for the jury the statements by the victim at the time of the 911 call, during which the victim could be heard crying and upset. The statements were consistent with the victim’s testimony. Wickman also suggested Hardwick’s statement of wanting to pay the witness was an admission of guilt on the count of attempted witness bribing, and his lack of memory severely impacted his ability to testify to the jury. After approximately 20 minutes of deliberation, the jury rendered its verdict of guilty on all counts. Hardwick will be sentenced on June 16.