CASSOPOLIS — A Niles man who invited his longtime girlfriend out for a day of boating — and ultimately smeared dog feces on her face — met justice in a Cass County courtroom Wednesday.

Trial testimony indicated that events of the day were part of the defendant’s process of breaking up with the victim because she was no longer good enough for him.

After hearing this evidence and other testimony, a four-man, two-woman jury found Steven Reed, 44, of 3255 Yankee St., guilty of domestic violence for his unlawful and spiteful actions on June 28, 2010.

After the jury reached its verdict, Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz  stated, “This was an arrogant and despicable act against a decent young woman. Domestic violence has no place in Cass County.”

Testimony elicited from the victim by Samantha Winter, Cass County Prosecutor’s Office, revealed that the defendant invited his girlfriend of two years to his parent’s Barron Lake home for an afternoon on the water.

When she arrived it was clear the defendant had been drinking.

As the day progressed, he continued to imbibe.

At one point he took the victim out on his boat, where he initiated disparaging comments toward the victim and lewd comments about other women on the lake.

In particular, the victim indicated he repeatedly belittled her and made comments about other women.

At the end of the afternoon the defendant and the victim found themselves at the defendant’s Howard Township home.

By this time the defendant was intoxicated and increasingly belligerent.

He told the victim she was past her prime and that, accordingly, their relationship — already on the rocks —  was definitely over.

Courtroom evidence indicated that while in the home, the defendant ultimately lost his cool.

He became so forceful that he dragged her backwards by her neck, struck her head against the trim of a wall, then picked up some dog feces from the floor and rubbed them in her face.

After suffering the assault, the victim escaped from Reed’s home and drove herself to the nearest police station to report the disturbing incident.

Ontwa/Edwardsburg Police Department Officer Brian Robinson stated from the witness stand that when the victim arrived at the station, she was visibly crying and scared.

He also indicated that excrement was plastered across the right side of her face.

Deputy Kevin Cook of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, who investigated the incident, testified that when he went out to interview Reed later that evening, he was clearly and visibly intoxicated.

The defendant testified that his alcohol-induced condition was the result of a celebratory drink he enjoyed once the victim left his home.

Reed also inferred that he no longer wanted to be in the relationship because  the victim was no longer good enough for him.

The defendant was sentenced by District Judge Stacey Rentfrow to six months probation and mandatory counseling.

Domestic violence is punishable by 93 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.