Man sent to jail for throwing box cutter at wife.

Joel Patterson

Man sent to jail for throwing box cutter at wife.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON – A 32-year-old Scottville man was sentenced to serve five months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term for a high-court misdemeanor conviction of attempted felonious assault, a misdemeanor of second-offense domestic violence and third-offense habitual offender Tuesday, June 25, in 51st Circuit Court.

Joel Patterson, of 124 W. Broadway Ave., pleaded guilty to the charges, May 7.

Patterson admitted last May that he threw a box cutter at his wife, which narrowly missed hitting her head and struck the wall behind her last February.

“I was drinking,” Patterson said. “We were arguing a lot – we’re getting divorce, and one thing led to another.”

The victim asked the court for leniency for his sentence. “He is a great father,” she said. “When he is drinking, he is whole (different) person who makes bad decisions. Please show some leniency – not for him, but for my children. He’s a good father. He’s not the one who pays (for a long sentence) – but them. We’re not together, but I don’t wish any ill will against him.”

Patterson was initially facing charges of felonious assault, domestic violence and fourth-offense habitual offender.

Judge Susan K. Sniegowski said he has previous convictions of breaking and entering and second-degree home invasion.

“Alcohol is a huge problem for him,” said his attorney Al Swanson, Jr. “He’s been quite remorseful.”

“Alcohol is a huge issue,” Patterson said. “I apologize to her and to my kids for everything.”

Judge Sniegowski said that the “action of throwing a knife” created serious danger. “There could have been more significant damage than what happened here.

“I do realize the impact that incarceration has on families,” she said. “Some jail time is important and work release is appropriate along with treatment.”

Patterson was ordered to two years probation. He received credit for two days served in jail.

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