Patrick says he will sign Mass. crime bill

BOSTON (AP) -- Gov. Deval Patrick says he plans to sign into law a crime bill that includes a "three strikes" provision barring parole for repeat violent offenders.

The governor made the announcement in a statement released on Tuesday.

The Legislature approved the bill but Patrick sent it back to lawmakers with a request that they amend it to add some discretion for judges in sentencing certain three-time violent felons. But lawmakers soundly rejected the amendment on Monday and sent the original bill back to Patrick's desk.

The bill also reduces mandatory minimum sentences for some non-violent drug offenders.

Les Gosule, the father of a murder victim who has campaigned for the so-called "three strikes" provision for the past 13 years, said he was "exuberant" to learn that Patrick would sign the bill.