Ludington man sentenced to jail for attempted strangulation.

Matthew Case, left, and attorney Al Swanson Jr.

Ludington man sentenced to jail for attempted strangulation.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON – A 34-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to serve seven months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Nov. 5, for convictions of attempted assault by strangulation and third-offense habitual offender.

Matthew Dustin Case, 34, of 229 1/2 Second St., pleaded guilty, Oct. 1.

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 7-34 months, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola, who cited a “history of domestic violence in the home.”

Case testified last month that he assaulted his wife when they were having an argument. “I grabbed her by her throat,” he told Judge Susan K. Sniegowski.

Despite the assault, Case’s wife supports him. “When we took these vows, it also meant that when things got rough, you can’t just call it quits,” she said in court. “That when it’s hard, we will work through the tough stuff and get through it together.”

“I love you Matthew Dustin Case. I know how he must look on paper but that paper doesn’t show who he is outside of a courtroom,” said his wife, describing him as a Christian man.

“Matthew has put the weight of the world on his shoulders plus some to help lighten the load on mine,” she said.

“He may not look like it, but he is a big teddy bear and the most loving and caring person I know.”

“It will never happen again,” his wife said. “He made a mistake and deserves compassion and forgiveness. ”

Case’ attorney, Al Swanson Jr., said his client’s alcohol problem led to the assault.

“This is one of these really difficult cases that we have to deal with,” said Judge Sniegowski. “Mr. Case, this is horrible conduct that led you here. It’s inexcusable. Blaming it on alcohol seems a little convenient.”

A letter from his employer sent to the court indicated that Case a very good worker, the judge said.

Case was also sentenced to two years probation. He received credit for four days served in jail, and work release is allowed.

Judge Sniegowski lifted the no contact order with his wife, but reminded the couple that any time during probation it can be put back into place.

Case was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court to 5 1/2 to 20 years in prison in 2011 for armed robbery and two years in prison in 2005 for third-degree fleeing police and third-offense operating while under the influence of a controlled susbstance, according to the Offender Tracking Information System.

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