GRAND RAPIDS, MI - An armed robber who later strangled a Kent County jail guard, but refused to attend either of the trials argued on appeal that his absence at the court proceedings should earn him a new trial.

The claim from Willie Lee-Wilson Williams, who was sentenced to between 80 and 160 years in prison, was rejected by the Michigan Court of Appeals in a decision released Friday, Feb. 13.

Williams, 23, was convicted for a one-night robbery spree on July 26, 2012, that included gas stations and a Hispanic grocery in Wyoming, Walker and Grand Rapids.

While he was in jail awaiting trial on those charges, he managed to get out of his cell and attack 23-year-old jail guard Jaclynn Rodriguez and choke her to the point of unconsciousness on Sept. 14, 2012.

During his trials, Kent County Circuit Court Judge Mark Trusock told Williams that he should be present in the courtroom, but the defendant refused. Williams could hear the proceedings over the speaker in the courthouse holding cell.

After conviction on the armed robberies and the jail attack, Williams was sentenced to the massive prison term that makes him ineligible for parole until he is 101 years old.

Related: Man who tried to kill female corrections officer will be 101 when eligible for parole

In his appeal, Williams attorneys claim that the defendant was denied his Constitutional right to face his accusers and be present at trial.

The three-judge appeals panel found that Williams voluntarily gave up those rights and that Trusock made sure to instruct the jury not to consider Williams' absence when deciding the case. The court also found that proof of Williams' guilt was overwhelming.

Williams remains housed at the Ionia Correctional Facility. Michigan Department of Corrections records show he is scheduled to be released sometime between July 27, 2092, and July 27, 2172.

He can appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court.

E-mail Barton Deiters: bdeiters@mlive.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/GRPBarton or Facebook at facebook.com/bartondeiters.5