Across South Carolina

Prison would be death for rapist, expert says

PICKENS, S.C. --- A prisons expert says the man prosecutors want executed for raping and strangling a Clemson student would likely face certain death in prison if he were allowed to mix with other inmates.

James Aiken told a Pickens County courtroom Wednesday that Jerry Buck Inman's multiple sex-related convictions and tattoos like the swastika he bears on his arm would make him a target for members of white-supremacy gangs who look down upon sex offenders sporting their symbols.

Mr. Inman pleaded guilty last month in the May 2006 death of 20-year-old Tiffany Marie Souers in her apartment near campus. It was unclear whether the 37-year-old Tennessee man would testify.

Prosecutors concluded their case for Mr. Inman's execution Tuesday. Circuit Judge Edward Miller will decide on the death penalty or life in prison because Mr. Inman pleaded guilty.

The hearing was delayed Wednesday when an expert defense witness told the judge she is worried she could be prosecuted because she doesn't have a license to practice in South Carolina.

Prosecutors objected to testimony from Marti Loring, an Atlanta-based social worker who said she is an expert in traumatic stress. Even after the judge ruled that she could testify, Ms. Loring said she fears she could be prosecuted in the future.

Judge Miller delayed the hearing to give Ms. Loring a few hours to consult with an attorney.

Mr. Inman's attorneys have argued the sex offender should receive life in prison, a punishment they said would be even worse than death for him because of his severe guilt.

Board votes to ban ads on school buses

COLUMBIA --- The South Carolina School Board has voted to ban advertising on public school buses.

The board voted 13-2 on the preventive measure. No buses currently have advertising.

Republican Sen. Greg Ryberg of Aiken had proposed a bill banning school districts from putting ads in buses to raise money. But his measure died earlier this year in committee, with some senators saying such decisions should be left to local school boards.

Mr. Ryberg says the move will prevent students from being force-fed corporate ads on their way to and from school.

The state Education Department had approved a policy allowing the ads, at several districts' request.

-- Edited from wire reports