NILES — A Niles man who has habitually assaulted women will serve time in jail for the crime, after he was sentenced Monday in Berrien County Trial Court.

Everett James Greer, 47, of the 500 block of Oak St., was charged with third-degree domestic violence. He pleaded guilty to the offense on June 6.

Judge Charles LaSata sentenced Greer to serve 270 days in jail. He was also ordered to serve three years of probation on GPS tether and participate in domestic violence and battery prevention program. Greer entered into a plea agreement which stated that he would not get prison time for the crime.

The assault occurred on Jan. 16 in Niles. Greer’s victim was able to escape during the attack and ask a neighbor for help. The neighbor called police and reported the incident.

This is not the first time Greer has assaulted a woman. Greer has three prior domestic violence charges starting in 1999. The charges include the assault of a pregnant woman. Assistant Prosecutor Jerry Vigansky said Greer’s pattern of abuse toward women was appalling.

Because Greer himself said his assault targets had all been women, LaSata forbade him from living with or having a relationship with a woman during his time on probation. Greer entered into a plea agreement which stated that he would not get prison time for the crime.

“I don’t think he understands the seriousness of what he has done,” Vigansky said.

Despite the court’s order not to make contact with the victim, Vigansky said Greer had still been in contact with the victim.

“I think he is a danger,” Vigansky said. “I think if he is out and has contact at some point in time, I think he will assault again. I think he is going to become even more violent. You can tell by the conversations that he has had with the victims that he is very domineering.”

Because of this, Vigansky asked for at least 270 days in jail, as well as monitoring Greer by GPS tether when he is on probation. He emphasized that Greer should have no contact with the victim and that if he violates this court order, he should go to prison.

Greer’s attorney Scott Sanford said he concurred with the court’s recommendation.

Greer was also given a chance to speak and said he “apologized” to the court.

LaSata said Greer’s criminal record includes 44 total convictions.  While LaSata said he could sympathize with some of the courts defendants, he described Greer’s actions as a “bad” and “evil.”

Additionally, LaSata said he was troubled by Greer’s efforts to contact the victim and concurred with the prosecutor that there would be a “zero tolerance policy” and if he contacted the victim, prison would be a consequence.

Greer has credit for 177 days of jail time. LaSata said he hoped that Greer could use the remaining jail time to turn his life around.

“I have seen other defendants pull it off, Mr. Greer” LaSata said. “It’s in your hands now. I mean you could become a Boy Scout from here on out. If you are not, I will be here and I will send you to prison. I wish I could today.”