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Updated 09/30/2009 10:57 PM

Monserrate's Girlfriend Testifies In Assault Trial

By: NY1 News

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The girlfriend and alleged abuse victim of State Senator Hiram Monserrate testified in the related assault trial Wednesday, but told the prosecution the process has left her feeling "harassed."

Monserrate is on trial in Queens Supreme Court in Kew Gardens for allegedly slashing Karla Giraldo with broken glass in a jealous rage.

Giraldo, seen above, arrived at court with a full entourage and her face obscured from news cameras. She stressed that the incident was an accident, agreeing with her boyfriend's account.

In the afternoon session, Giraldo rushed out of the room crying after seeing surveillance video of Monserrate leading her out of his apartment building on the night of the incident. When she was brought back in, she asked the judge not to be shown the video again.

According to Giraldo, Monserrate was "jealous but not angry" when he found another man's business card in her purse on the night in question. She also said she was drunk when she arrived at the senator's apartment.

In previous testimony given before a grand jury, Giraldo said she was not drunk and that it had not been an accident.

"She testified about eight months ago before a grand jury. I guess they're be times when there will be inconsistent or her recollection will be refreshed," said Joseph Tacopina, Monserrate's attorney. "What do I make out of it? Someone may make an inconsistent statement -- happens with every witness, I think the question's going to be what is her statement, and is she going to be consistent on the events that he stands charged with."

Giraldo also said Wednesday that she does not trust the prosecution.

The defense is not sure yet whether Monserrate will be called to the witness stand.

On Tuesday, the detective who was first on the scene testified he found a bloody towel in the hallway, broken glass all over the apartment, and blood on the pillow cases and bed sheets.

Earlier in the day, the judge heard from Giraldo's cosmetologist, who testified Giraldo called her at 3 a.m. after the incident before checking into a hospital.

She told the judge Giraldo told her she did not want to go to the hospital because she did not want her face scarred, adding Giraldo never said she was attacked.

If convicted, Monserrate faces up to seven years in prison and the loss of his State Senate seat.

He elected for a bench trial instead of a jury trial.