Facing a maximum of 10 years in prison, Andre Lee Williams told a judge Monday morning in Berrien County Trial Court that while he has made some poor decisions, he is not a menace to society.

“I just want someone to love me, that’s all,” said the 36-year-old Benton Harbor man during a sentencing hearing on two counts of felony assault by strangulation, both stemming from a September incident in which he violently assaulted his now ex-girlfriend.

As soon as Williams finished talking, Judge Dennis Wiley began reading from a list containing all of Williams’ prior convictions: Domestic violence in 1998, assault with a dangerous weapon in 1998, criminal sexual conduct in 2006, resisting and obstructing police in 2012, child abuse in 2012, resisting and obstruction police in 2013 and assault and battery in 2013.

“This is a pattern of violent behavior,” Wiley said. “With all due respect Mr. Williams, you are a menace to society.”

Wiley sentenced Williams to a minimum of six years and a maximum of 10 years in prison on both counts of assault by strangulation. Williams pleaded no contest to both charges earlier.

Williams was scheduled to be sentenced a week ago, but the judge adjourned the hearing after Williams passed out twice during the proceedings.

Williams had no trouble staying on his feet this time.

According to court documents, Williams strangled the victim to the point of her passing out multiple times behind a house in the 800 block of Sycamore Street in Niles Sept. 15. He also threw her to the ground and slapped her across the face several times, according to court documents.

The victim appeared in court Monday on crutches. She said she suffered a broken ankle as a result of the incident and needed surgery. She has been unable to work since the assault.

“I will never be able to run with my grandkids anymore,” the victim said. “I am mentally and physically hurt.

“I hate that this situation had to happen, but he let the alcohol take over. He needs help more than anything.”

Williams attempted to justify his actions to police by saying that the victim had cheated on him. The two had been dating for nine months, according to court documents.

Also Monday, Brittany Rangel, 29, of Berrien Springs, was sentenced to 180 days in jail and three years on probation for stealing a cell phone and using the victim’s credit card information to purchase less than $200 worth of clothing and jewelry.

Assistant Prosecutor Mark Sanford said the victim befriended Rangel and even got her a job prior to the incident.

He said Rangel stole the phone from the victim and found within it credit card information she used to buy items illegally online. Rangel then sent an email from the stolen phone to the victim’s employer, saying that the victim had embezzled money from the company she worked for.

Sanford said that while the victim did not embezzle any money, she eventually lost her job and inferred that it was as a result of Rangel’s actions.

“Not only was there a betrayal, it was just mean,” Sanford said. “She (Rangel) shouldn’t need to do that.”

Rangel’s lawyer said his client wanted to avoid any jail time because she might lose custody of her children if she is put behind bars.

Rangel also tested positive for cocaine Oct. 7, which constituted a violation of her bond conditions.

“If your children are taken away from you so be it,” Wiley said. “You are not fit to be anyone’s mother.”

Wiley also said that Rangel had numerous prior convictions for retail fraud and larceny.