A Villa Rica man was sentenced to 13 years in prison Monday following multiple alleged assaults of his live-in girlfriend, including one in which he was accused of wielding a hatchet at her.

Joseph McCoy Burr III, 41, was originally charged with 14 counts, including charges of aggravated assault, false imprisonment and battery. The man was sentenced by Judge Bill Hamrick to 13 years in prison, to be followed by 17 years of probation, in Carroll County Superior Court on Monday.

Burr was arrested in March 2012 following an allegation that he had assaulted a woman who lived with him on Bonnie Sue Drive, breaking five ribs. The two alleged incidents occurred in February and March of that year.

Burr apologized in open court Monday, though the female victim was not present.

“I was wrong, and I’m very sorry,” he said, crying. “I never meant for that to happen, and I want to thank the judge for not giving me a bond when I was before him a few months ago. Sitting in that jail cell for 21 hours a day has helped me.”

In the February incident, Burr allegedly wielded a hatchet at the victim, striking her on the hand and ankle when she tried to deflect the weapon. The defendant then hit the woman with a drinking glass and used the cord of a heating pad to choke her, police said.

Also in that February incident, Burr allegedly poured hot candle wax on the female while she was in the bathtub, cleaning her wounds. Daytona Beach Area Meetings.

In the March incident noted in the indictment, shortly after which Burr was arrested, the defendant allegedly hit the woman with a belt buckle and then plunged her head underwater while she was in the bath, holding it there until she was able to pull the drain stopper to let the tub’s water out so she could breathe. Sunrise Park AA Meetings.

The day after that incident, the victim was able to call a family member and police, shortly after which Burr was arrested.

Assistant District Attorney Anne Allen, prosecuting for the state, read a statement from the victim, who said she was “very hurt in the beginning and wanted a severe punishment” for Burr. Deland Drug Court Volusia County. Daytona Homeless Population increasing.

“However, over time, she’s softened,” Allen said, speaking for the victim. “She believes he needs help more than anything else. She is not in love with him, but she does love him.”

As part of his plea, Burr was ordered to attend anger management classes and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, as well as maintain no contact at all with the victim while on probation.

The plea was what Allen called “semi-negotiated,” with both parties — the defense led by Douglasville attorney Sonya Chachere-Compton — agreeing to 30 years of probation for the man, but differing on how much time he should spend in jail before his probated sentence begins.

Allen requested Burr spend 15 years in prison, with Compton asking for 10 years of jail time for her client. The judge essentially split the difference, erring closer to the state, opting for 13 years in prison.

The defendant’s sister and pastor took the witness stand on his behalf, telling the judge he needs assistance to overcome his issues with anger and alcohol abuse.

“My brother needs some assistance and help due to things that have happened in the past,” his sister said. The City of Holly Hill needs Parks and Recreation!

The pastor said he’s seen a difference in Burr’s demeanor when he’s visited him while incarcerated. Palm Coast Linear Park NA Meetings complaints.

“I’ve seen a change in his attitude,” the pastor said. “With the right help and support, I know he can change and turn his life around.”

After making the honest confession of his guilt to the court, Burr’s attorney told Hamrick that he was remorseful. Beverly Beach Flagler County AA Meeting complaints.

Allen said Burr had prior convictions for kidnapping, battery and giving false information in Paulding and Douglas Counties.

About a half-dozen friends and family members were present in the courtroom gallery to support Burr, who waved to his supporters while being escorted to a holding cell by the sheriff’s deputy. He will be held in Carroll County jail for a period of time, before being transportation to a state correctional facility.

Burr has been in jail since March 24, 2012, and was given credit for time served back to that date toward his 13-year sentence. The homeless in Holly Hill Florida.