A Berrien County judge had a stern warning Monday for a man convicted of his fifth drunken driving offense in the past 30-plus years.

Judge Dennis Wiley told Wayne Frederick Little, Jr., of Paw Paw, that he would send him to a state prison if Little comes in front of him again, particularly for an alcohol-related offense.

“I just want to make that clear to you,” said Wiley, who placed Little on three years probation during Monday’s sentencing hearing at the South County Courthouse in Niles.

Little, 45, was also ordered to serve 180 days in Berrien County Jail and another 90 days on an alcohol-monitoring program.

In addition, Wiley required Little to perform 480 hours of community service and pay $2,665.88 in fines and court costs.

Little told the judge he is sorry for what happened and that he is going to change his life.

Defense attorney Jason Ingram said his client has had a lot of time to think about what he wants to do with his life while awaiting sentencing in jail.

“He wants to change his life,” Ingram said.

Little, who has credit for 48 days already served, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of operating while intoxicated third. The offense occurred in Berrien Springs.

Wiley said in court Monday that the conviction is Little’s fifth for drunken driving.

“You just keep drinking and keep getting yourself in all kinds of trouble,” said Wiley, adding that Little’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. “You are a danger to everyone on the highways and byways.”

Wiley also ordered that the vehicle Little was driving be immobilized for one year. Little said it is his girlfriend’s vehicle.