Greig's love-story defense doesn't sway judge

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Catherine Greig's lawyers attempted to portray her as a woman blinded by love who did what anyone in her position would've done. But that reasoning didn't sway the judge’s decision.

Greig’s lawyers tried to convince the judge that the only thing she’s guilty of is love.

“She was in love with the guy and she lived with him for 16 years. Of course she doesn’t regret it,” said Kevin Reddington, Greig’s attorney.

A classic love story: Greig's attorney says all the evidence shows was that Greig was in love with James Whitey Bulger.

In court paperwork, Greig’s attorney wrote, “At the time she left with him, he was literally a hero, a champion of the oppressed. Liked to be a Robin Hood-like person.” He also said she doesn’t believe Bulger committed the horrible crimes he is accused of.

“She was and is in love with Mr. Bulger. And she’s certainly a person who does not regret what she did in living her life with him. As I say, he’s the love of her life and she stands by it,” Reddington said.

But the prosecution says Greig was no victim, and no love-sick woman who just made bad choices. They say she’s a criminal who harbored a man wanted for heinous crimes.

“This was not a romantic saga. This is a serious case where Catherine Greig committed serious crimes. She helped and protected and concealed a fugitive -- Whitey Bulger -- who was wanted for over 16 years and wanted for allegedly running a criminal enterprise and being involved in 19 murders,” said U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz.

U.S. Attorney Ortiz said just because one is in love, it does not mean one can break the law and get away with it.