An 18-year-old Oak Harbor man who assaulted his girlfriend and threatened to take her child will be spending some time in jail.

John Elliott, Jr., pleaded guilty in Island County Superior Court Sept. 16 to assault in the second degree and malicious mischief in the first degree. Both are considered domestic violence-related crimes.

Judge Vickie Churchill agreed with the sentence recommendation presented by the prosecution and defense. She sentenced Elliott to seven months in jail.

Sgt. Jerry Baker with the Oak Harbor Police responded to a report of domestic violence at an apartment on NW Crosby Avenue Aug. 7.

A 26-year-old woman told the officer that her live-in boyfriend, Elliott, had assaulted her and bitten her, leaving bruises all over her arms.

Also, she said Elliott had refused to let her leave her home and threatened to take her 1-year-old child and leave with her. After he put the child in a high chair, he held the woman down on the floor and performed a lewd act, the reports states.

The woman said Elliott had also jumped on her car the previous day. He kicked and punched the top, causing large dents.

Originally, prosecutors charged Elliott with indecent liberties, malicious mischief and misdemeanor assault. He could have faced more than six years in prison if convicted of those charges.

Instead, the prosecution and defense worked out the plea bargain.

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewstimes.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

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