Cycling Granny Narrowly Avoids Prison In South Philly Gym Melee

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A 64-year-old grandmother, convicted late Friday of resisting arrest and endangering police during a confrontation over a stationary bike at a South Philadelphia health club, has barely avoided a jail term.

The prosecutor says defendant Carrol Shannon caused a scene more than a week ago when she refused to get off a cycle reserved for someone else, and she ended up battling police called in to deal with it (see previous story).

Monday, Shannon cried in court and her husband sobbed in her attorney's arms as she was called forward to face sentencing -- including possible jail time.

But the judge, who flirted with sentencing her to prison for not showing remorse or taking responsibility, imposed other penalties.

"The judge imposed a total of seven years' reporting probation, 100 hours community service, and fines totaling $17,500," said prosecutor Alisa Shver after the sentencing.

In court, Shannon apologized and said she was sorry, but also maintained she did nothing wrong.

Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060.