Resister Who Took Santuary Receives Suspended Sentence

A Dorchester draft resister who last week sought sanctuary in the Paulist Center in Boston was convicted Tuesday of non-possession of his Selective Service registration and classification cards.

Paul Couming, 22, received a one-year suspended sentence and a three-year probation on the condition that he undertake alternative service as a conscientious objector. Couming and his draft board will determine the alternate service, according to Couming's father.

Couming was also charged with leaving the Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where he had previously been assigned for alternative service. That charge was dropped by the government a week before the trial.

Couming took sanctuary in the Paulist Center on February 8. He was arrested two days later at 6:45 a. m. by three Federal marshalls and was taken to Dedham prison that night.

He explained his action at the time by saying. "I took sanctuary because I feel that this government which burns babies has no right to put me or any other person who is obeying his conscience on trial."

After spending a week in prison, Couming "is enjoying his freedom." his father said yesterday. "He feels good and is just going to get together with friends. He's got a breather from all the pressure now. As for his future plans, he's just going to play it by ear."