MAINE ? A Parkman man will be sentenced today for trying to murder his son, an admitted zoophile, or person who has a sexual attraction to animals.

Frank Buble, 71, pleaded guilty last December in Piscataquis County Superior Court to attempted murder and elevated aggravated assault. He is accused of trying to kill his 44-year-old son, Phillip Buble, by striking him several times with a crowbar on Sept. 13, 1999.

The elder Buble reportedly attacked his son, intending to kill him, because of the son?s attraction to a dog, among other reasons.

In the September assault, the younger Buble received a broken arm and several lacerations and required medical treatment at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft.

In anticipation of today?s sentencing, Phillip Buble submitted a written request to the court asking that his ?significant other,? a short-legged, mixed-breed dog named Lady, be allowed in the courtroom for the sentencing.

The request was denied.

In his written request addressed to Justice Andrew Mead, presiding this week in Piscataquis County Superior Court, Buble stated that he would be exercising his right to speak at the sentencing.

?I?d like my significant other to attend by my side if possible as she was present in the house during the attack, though not an eyewitness to it, thank goodness,? Buble wrote.

?I?ve been informed your personal permission is needed given that my wife is not human, being a dog of about 36 pounds weight and very well behaved,? he added.

The letter carried Buble?s signature and a hand-drawn paw print. Typed below Buble?s written signature were the words ?Phillip and Lady Buble.?

Justice Mead denied the request Tuesday, noting that no animals are permitted in the courthouse unless it is a guide dog in the company of a visually impaired person.