JOE FRANCIS, the creator of adult entertainment franchise Girls Gone Wild, was sentenced yesterday (27th August) to 270 days in jail and three years' probation after assaulting a woman in 2011. He will also be attending anger management classes and 52 sessions of psychological counselling, according to reports on USA Today. 

Joe Francis
Joe Francis in 2012 at a party with the Kardashians.

The incident occurred at Francis' Los Angeles mansion on 29th January 2011. The creator 'invited' three women, whom he had met at the Supper Club in Hollywood, back to his house. 'Invited' may not have been the case as Francis manhandled one woman, taking her back to his limo. Her two friends, assuming there was nothing unsavoury, followed. They assumed they would be taken to their car but were driven to Francis' home where the incident took place. According to statements made in court, Francis was interested in one woman but her friend attempted to pull her away from the 40-year-old. It was the friend Francis allegedly attacked. Witnesses state they saw Francis drag the woman across the floor and hit her head against the ground, continuing by repeating the process. Following the incident Francis accused the women of trespassing. 

Francis was convicted on five charges, decided by a jury in May. These charges were three counts of false imprisonment in neglecting to release the women when they requested; one count of means likely to cause great bodily injury in attacking the woman; and one count of dissuading a witness from reporting the crime in claiming he "owns the police". 

Joe Francis
Joe Francis at Comedy Central's Roast of Charlie Sheen.

Francis evidently has a dubious attitude towards women in general, as demonstrated by his creation Girls Gone Wild. The adult entertainment franchise films women -most likely inebriated at party locations- removing their clothes in front of the camera. These films are then compiled into such classic movies as Girls Gone Wild: Extreme Orgy, Girls Gone Wild: Sex Mad Students; and Girls Gone Wild: Best Breasts On Campus. Another interesting instalment of the show is Girls Gone Wild: Doggy Style, which was hosted by Snoop Dogg. 

If Francis is not incarcerated for his alleged assault, he most certainly should be imprisoned for coming up with such a cringe inducing concept. Until then, Francis' attorney has claimed his client maintains his innocence and is appealing the judge's decision. He remains out of custody after posting a $250 000 bond.

Joe Francis
Joe Francis at the 5th Annual House of Hype Music Awards in New York.