A Warsaw man was sentenced to three years in prison this morning on battery charges stemming from a February battery that occurred on Buffalo Street, Warsaw.
Jeremy Lee Dawson, 25, Warsaw, was charged with battery by means of a deadly weapon, a Class C felony; strangulation, a Class D felony; battery to a person less than 14 by a person at least 18, a Class D felony; and battery to a family or household member with a child under 16 present, a Class D felony.
Dawson pleaded guilty to battery to a person less than 14 by a person at least 18, a Class D felony, and battery to a family or household member with a child under 16 present, a Class D felony.
Dawson received the advisory sentence of 1-1/2 years on each sentence. The sentences will run consecutively. Dawson was also ordered to pay $9.755.64 in restitution.
The remaining charges were dropped.
During his sentencing, Dawson chose to address the court.
“I have been a pretty selfish person over the years,” Dawson said. “I have blamed (the victim) for what happened when I was a child. I have been in an out of boys school and jail. I finally hit rock bottom. My rock bottom was hurting my family.”
Dawson also explained his outlook on life past and present.
“I have been an alcoholic for a long time. I was angry and not a good person. I would drink to get rid of my problems, then I would drink more when they did not go away,” he said. “I am in Alcoholics Anonymous and my anger and hatred have gone away. I have realized that alcohol is not the answer and I have forgiven my family.”
Dawson then turned to the victim and asked for her forgiveness for what he did.
Judge Duane G. Huffer had a few words for Dawson before he sentenced him.
“I always liked you and I was disappointed that you couldn’t make it,” Huffer said.
On Feb. 15, 2012, while at the victim’s home at 657 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw, Dawson asked the victim to drive him to Claypool, she refused and he grabbed her out of bed and began to hit her in the face. He later grabbed her by her neck and strangled her until she almost lost consciousness.
While Dawson was strangling the victim, he grabbed a knife. She got away and called the police and ran outside.
The victim’s son said he had heard the fighting and that Dawson had pushed him and hit him on the head.
