Aug 13, 2010 By Jennifer Harr 2 min read

A Connellsville man who used an axe handle to assault a priest earlier this year will spend two to four years behind bars. Kevin Labuda, 46, declined to say anything before Fayette County Judge Steve P. Leskinen imposed the sentence Thursday.

Labuda, former business manager for Immaculate Conception Parish in Connellsville, attacked the Rev. Joseph Bonafed on March 3 at the church’s rectory.

Bonafed sustained a concussion and a cut to his head that took eight staples to close.

Labuda told police he stole keys to the rectory from Sister Mary Agnes Kirsch and wanted to scare Bonafed because the priest had made changes at the church that impacted Labuda’s work.

Bonafed lived at the rectory on East Crawford Avenue, and when he walked in, a man in a ski mask hit him in the head with the axe handle. When the priest fell to the floor, Labuda continued to hit him.

Police suspected Labuda had something to do with the attack. When they talked to him on March 12, he told authorities he wanted peace, and knew he wouldn’t get it unless he confessed to the attack.

Last month, Labuda pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, burglary, criminal trespass, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

District Attorney Jack R. Heneks Jr. said before the plea was entered, he spoke with Bonafed, who agreed to the plea bargain.