STATE v. LAZARO MARTINEZ (2006)

 Defendant was convicted of one count of second-degree assault, ORS 163.175, two counts of felony fourth-degree assault, ORS 163.160, and one count of strangulation, ORS 163.187, based on an incident in which he strangled his girlfriend with a belt until she lost consciousness.   This occurred in the presence of their two children.   On appeal, defendant first argues that the trial court erred in denying his motion for judgment of acquittal on the assault charges on the ground that the state's evidence that the victim suffered physical injury was insufficient as a matter of law.   We reject that argument without discussion.   Defendant also asserts that the trial court erred in failing to merge the two convictions for felony fourth-degree assault.   Defendant acknowledges that he did not preserve the claim of error, but asserts that the error is apparent on the face of the record, citing State v. Glaspey, 337 Or. 558, 100 P.3d 730 (2004).

In Glaspey, the Oregon Supreme Court held that, when multiple charges of felony fourth-degree assault are filed based on the assault occurring in the presence of multiple children, only one conviction should result.  Id. at 563-67, 100 P.3d 730.   We reject as unpersuasive the state's response that no error is apparent on the face of the record, ORAP 5.45(1), and conclude that Glaspey is controlling here.   Further, given the “ends of justice” in this case, we affirmatively exercise our discretion under Ailes v. Portland Meadows, Inc., 312 Or. 376, 381-83, 823 P.2d 956 (1991), to address, and remedy, that error.

Convictions for assault in the fourth degree reversed and remanded with instructions to merge convictions;  otherwise affirmed.

PER CURIAM.