Court blocks judge's attempt to undo rape sentence

BILLINGS (AP) — Montana's Supreme Court has ordered a judge to cancel a Friday resentencing hearing for a former teacher who got 30 days in prison for raping a 14-year-old student.

Justices say Judge G. Todd Baugh does not have authority to reconsider the sentence he gave to former Billings teacher Stacey Rambold.

Baugh was widely criticized for the Aug. 26 sentencing and for saying the victim was "older than her chronological age." He has since sought to backtrack, apologizing for his comments and attempting to re-sentence Rambold.

The Attorney General's Office has appealed the case to the Supreme Court.

Prosecutors contend Rambold must serve at least two years in prison. Rambold's defense attorney says the sentence was appropriate and can be undone only on appeal.