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CASSOPOLIS — A Cassopolis woman convicted by a jury last fall of assaulting a rival with a tire iron was sentenced to probation Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.

Brittany Marie Backus, 29, of Jefferson Street, Cassopolis, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to 12 months probation, credit for one day served and $1,968 in fines and costs.

The incident occurred June 13, 2020 at a home in Dowagiac when Backus attacked a woman with a tire iron who had been spending time with Backus’ boyfriend.

Defense attorney Greg Feldman noted that the incident occurred nearly four years ago and Backus has not been in trouble since.

“She has showed up at every court hearing, she’s not an ongoing criminal,” he said. “She doesn’t hang around these people any more, she’s matured.”

Cass County Circuit Judge Mark Herman noted that the victim had to receive treatment for her injuries after receiving a large gash in her forehead.

“You were apparently jealous of her,” he said. “If anyone deserved a smack upside the head it’s the boyfriend cheating on you with her. Don’t smack her, smack him-I’m not saying to assault him either.”

“When your boyfriend is screwing around with another chick, dump that chump,” he added. “The only thing smacking another person around is going to get you is more trouble. Mr. Lovey Dovey isn’t going to be there to help pay your fines and costs.”

“I agree it’s been a long time since the incident so I don’t think additional jail time is warranted,” he said. “But if you decide to hit anybody again with a tire iron, don’t expect me to forget that I gave you this opportunity.”