A Niles man was sentenced to more than 2 1/2 years in prison Monday for strangling his ex girlfriend.

Ian Gunther Lucker, 28, was ordered to spend a minimum of 32 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections Monday by Berrien County Judge Dennis Wiley.

Lucker pleaded guilty last month to one count of assault by strangulation, a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Assistant Prosecutor Amy Byrd said the victim suffers from nightmares because of the incident, which occurred Aug. 24, on Hickory Drive in Niles.

According to court documents, Niles police responded to the residence on a domestic violence complaint.

Upon arrival, the victim said her estranged boyfriend, Lucker, had called her no fewer than 60 times that day.

The victim told police that she answered one call, but hung up when Lucker said he was glad that her rabbit is dead, according to court documents.

Lucker showed up at the house a short time later, kicked in the door and strangled the victim, according to court documents.

“If it wasn’t for her neighbor calling police it could have been worse for her,” said Byrd.

Prior to being sentenced, Lucker said he regrets his actions and never meant to hurt anyone. He added that he plans on using time in prison to better himself.

Also Monday:

• David Woodrow Pflug, 35, of Niles, was sentenced to three years probation on one count of domestic violence as a third offense. Pflug must also serve 270 days in Cass County Jail followed by an additional 180 days in an alcohol-monitoring program.

• Andrew Lee Wortham, 23, of Niles, was sentenced to two years probation on one count of embezzlement of more than $200 but less than $1,000. Wortham stole three cell phones from the Niles Sprint Mobile Store while working as an employee there, according to court documents. Wiley ordered him to pay $2,299.97 in restitution to the Sprint Mobile Store.