A Buchanan man with three domestic violence convictions on his record will spend more than two years in prison after hitting his wife in the forehead with a belt.

George Cox, Jr., 34, received a sentence of 30 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections during sentencing hearings Monday in Berrien County Trial Court.

Cox pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence as a third offense in exchange for the prosecutor dropping two additional charges of assault by strangulation and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to court documents.

The charge stems from an incident that occurred July 12 in Buchanan.

According to court documents, the victim told police that Cox hit her on the head with his belt and that he had choked her a couple days earlier.

The victim said Monday in court that while she believes her husband deserves to be punished, she hopes that he gets the help he needs while he is incarcerated.

“I don’t think he is a man that should be thrown away,” she said.

Cox apologized for his actions and said he never should have taken his stress out on her.

Also Monday:

• Steven Alan Deming, 37, of Niles, was placed on three years probation for one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated as a third offense. Deming must also serve 90 days in jail, 180 days on the SCRAM alcohol monitoring system and perform 480 hours of community service.

• Tyler Kenneth-Duane Visel, 17, of Niles, was placed on three years probation for one count unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Visel must also serve 90 days in jail and successfully complete a probation enhancement program. According to court documents, Visel drove a family member’s truck without permission and got into an accident that caused hundreds of dollars in damage to the vehicle.