CASSOPOLIS — A 24-year-old Goshen man who has been drinking alcohol daily for half his life was admittedly intoxicated when he and another man broke into an Edwardsburg apartment to steal a television in February.

Dustin Gibson, 24, was sentenced to a year in jail and two years probation Friday in Cass County Circuit Court after pleading guilty in September to felony home invasion in the first degree.

“Alcohol used daily since age 12 has probably resulted in some bad decisions, including perhaps why he’s here today,” said Prosecutor Victor Fitz. “He has a limited record, but was involved in a whopper here.”

Judge Michael Dodge told the court Gibson and another man broke into an apartment building at 4 a.m. on Meadowview Drive in Edwardsburg on Feb. 11.

The pair then stole a television while the occupants — including a 4-year-old girl — were asleep. They fled the scene in a stolen 1994 Taurus.

“Not a lot good happens, as they say, after 2 a.m.,” said Dodge, “4 a.m. is not a good time to be out ramming around.”

As part of a plea agreement, the prosecution recommended probation and 365 days in jail. Otherwise, Gibson was facing a sentencing guideline range of 21 to 35 months in prison.

Dodge said he accepted the prosecutor’s recommendation based on the defendant’s age, limited past criminal and limited role in the crime. Dodge said Gibson stood outside the apartment door and was handed the television by his co-defendant.

Gibson’s past criminal record includes one conviction of disturbing the peace.