Gardnerville man burns girlfriend’s tongue, gets prison
A Gardnerville man has been sentenced to five years in prison for a New Year's Eve fight in which his girlfriend's tongue was burned with a cigarette.
The Record-Courier of Gardnerville reports Douglas District Judge Michael Gibbons imposed the sentence Monday on 27-year-old Eric Smith, who will be eligible for parole after two years.
Smith earlier pleaded guilty to a coercion charge, but said he couldn't remember many details because he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
He also was accused of choking and head-butting the woman, taking property from her and preventing her from leaving her apartment.
Smith says he and the 41-year-old victim now are "fine," and she accepted his apology.
The Record-Courier reports that Smith has four prior felony convictions and 11 misdemeanor convictions.
