Man gets four years for attack on woman

January 6, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

A man who pleaded guilty for attacking his ex-girlfriend in August was sentenced Tuesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to four years in prison.

Judge Maureen Sweeney declined a request from defense counsel for Michael Wick, 45, of Idaho Road in Girard, and sentenced him on charges of aggravated burglary and menacing by stalking for the attack on the woman at her Highlawn Avenue home about 2:15 p.m. Aug. 22.

Reports said the woman who lives there and her stepfather were trying to board up the house to keep Wick out when the stepfather left to get some materials. About five minutes after he left, Wick appeared, got inside the home, hit the woman, knocked her down, took her cellphone and ran away.

Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer McLaughlin asked Judge Sweeney for a four-year sentence. She said Wick has 12 prior felony arrests or convictions in Florida and that the victim was badly shaken by the attack.

“There is a great deal of fear and anxiety for this victim,” McLaughlin said.

Defense attorney Mark Verkhlin said his client takes responsibility for his actions and was wrong. But he also asked for a sentence of less than four years or even probation. Verkhlin said the relationship Wick had with the victim was “toxic” and clouded by drug use. Verkhlin said his client was on heroin at the time of the attack, and his drug abuse stemmed from his trying to cope with ordinary life after serving in the armed forces.

“This was the wake-up call he needed,” Verkhlin said.

Wick told the judge drugs led to the entire attack.

“This was all drugs, your honor, plain and simple,” Wick said. “That’s what it was all about.” The victim was present in court but chose not to address the judge.

Wick also was given credit for 133 days he has served in the county jail toward his sentence.