A former physician sentenced to 40 years in prison earlier this year for shooting at police and kidnapping his son wants a reduced sentence.

Dr. Scott Haddon asked a judge Thursday to reduce his sentence, since the custody battle that spurred a 2008 shootout with police won't matter once his son is grown.

"We're asking for a sentence that would allow him to re-enter society when (Haddon's son) is an adult," defense attorney Dan Luginbill said.

On Jan. 12, Haddon pleaded guilty to kidnapping, first-degree burglary and assault of a high and aggravated nature.

Circuit Court Judge James Williams then sentenced the Orangeburg man to 40 years for burglary, 30 for kidnapping and 10 for the assault charge. The sentences are to be served at the same time.

During Thursday's hearing, Luginbill proposed Williams reduce the sentence to a 10- to 12-year range. However, the state opposed any reduction.

"We're in full agreement with the court's (original) sentence," Assistant Solicitor Kelley Burbage said.

Williams told Haddon he should not get his hopes up, but said he would consider the matter.

"I can answer you it will not be anything near 10 to 12 years," the judge said. "But I will consider it."

Ginger Kearse-Haddon, the child's mother and Haddon's ex-wife, urged the court not to consider the motion for a reduction in prison time.

"He used his son as a shield, he shot at police," she said.

Virginia Kearse, the child's grandmother, told the court it was "God's intervention" and the arrival of several police officers she called "heroes" that changed the outcome of May 21, 2008.

In the early morning hours on that date, Haddon approached Virginia Kearse's Brookside Drive residence and forced her inside the home.

Haddon, who was wearing all black, took his then-11-year-old son from his bedroom but was met in the yard by several police officers.

A close-range gun battle between Haddon and the officers, separated about 10 feet, resulted in no injuries. But Haddon was subdued and the boy freed.

"I don't care if he got out in five years or 40 years, he's coming after (his son)," Virginia Kearse said.

Williams began to speak but was abruptly interrupted by Haddon himself.

"Your honor," Haddon started.

"Stand up when you're talking," Williams said.

"I understand that when (the child) is 18 years of age, he can choose which household he wishes to live," Haddon said.

"It was the raising of the child that was the fight," Luginbill said. "The fight is over."

However, Williams shelved the history of the custody dispute to remind Haddon of his crimes.

"You're still under the delusion that what you did that morning was OK," he said. "That's what frightens me, that's what terrifies me."

Haddon replied he did "everything in my power" to ensure no one was hurt during the standoff and ensuing shootout.

Williams said he would make a decision within a few days.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5516. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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