Rather neutered than dead, appears to be the mindset that drove Bobby James, 35, to agree to voluntary castration in preference to a life sentence.

ABC News, Fox News and other outlets report that as part of a plea bargain, James chose 25 years in prison followed by ten years of probation, plus castration, in preference to a life sentence.

From the point of view of his relative youth, the bargain makes sense of a sort: James can be out of prison by age 60 if he serves out his full sentence, and up to seven years earlier if he can maintain a record of good behavior -- which, the prisoner believes, is infinitely preferable to the prospect of knowing he will spend the rest of his natural life behind bars.

The choice was made during the sentencing phase, after James had pleaded guilty to three counts of armed sexual assault and battery, and sundry other charges involving incidents dating back to 1998 ad 1999.

The News Herald quotes public defender Doug White, who appeared for James, as saying the court system will pay the $2,000 the procedure will cost.

While pronouncing sentence, Circuit Judge Michael Overstreet warned Allen to expect hormonal changes as a result of the procedure: breast development, osteoporosis, hot flashes among others; sterility and a decline in sexual interest are other effects.