A Dowagiac man with a history of domestic violence will spend the next year in jail after shoving his fiancée out of his car during an argument over cigarettes.

Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman sentenced 30-year-old William Eugene Perrin to 365 days in jail Friday for a single count of domestic violence. Perrin pleaded guilty to the count during a prior appearance in county court April 12.

The assault took place Nov. 6 on Old 205/Stateline Road in Mason Township, while Perrin was driving his fiancée to work. At one point during the ride, the two got into an argument because Perrin had refused to stop at the store to purchase cigarettes. The woman eventually told Perrin to stop the car so she could get out.

In response, the Dowagiac man slammed on the brakes and opened up the door on her side of the vehicle, elbowing her in the forehead in the process. He then pushed the woman out the vehicle and sped off.

The victim injured her ankle in the fall, and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

This latest conviction is Perrin’s second for felony domestic violence. He has two additional convictions for misdemeanor domestic violence as well, Herman said.

“At age 30, you are old enough to learn that a real man doesn’t treat women like that,” the judge said to the defendant in court Friday. “In fact, you should realize you don’t have the right to assault and batter any person.”

Assistant Prosecutor Sarah Mathews relayed some comments the victim made to her before the proceedings, telling the court that Perrin’s abuse has not just impacted her life but those of the man’s children and family. Mathews also said the victim also wants the man to get better.

The prosecutor argued that jail time has not proven an effective deterrent for Perrin’s abusive behavior, as the man spent 270 days locked up in 2012 for a prior domestic violence conviction. Mathews instead asked the judge to impose a prison sentence on the defendant.

“I think a stronger message needs to be sent, for deterrence purposes,” Mathews said. “This has to end. You can’t harm your loved ones.”

The man’s defense attorney, Robert Drake, argued in favor of local incarceration. Drake said that Perrin is not a threat to the community and that his attitude has changed for the better since his arrest.

Perrin also spoke in his own defense, telling the judge that he has began seeking treatment for his mental health problems.

“I know I let my family down once again, not just my parents and everyone that is here to support me, but my four children also,” he said, his voice wavering as he held back tears. “My actions have made an impact on their lives.”

He also apologized to his victim, saying that his abuse pushed her away after spending so long trying to build a family together.

Herman agreed to sentence Perrin to a local jail sentence, but warned the man that if he appeared in the judge’s courtroom again for domestic violence, a prison cell would await. Herman also ordered that he have no contact with the victim.

“You need to work on the issues you have, and at this point, she needs to be totally out of your life,” the judge said to the defendant.

Perrin was given 127 days credit for time already served behind bars.

Also sentenced Friday:

• John Boyle, 34, of Mendon, Michigan, to 270 days in jail for failure to register as a sex offender.

• Chelsea Gross, 28, of Harper Woods, Michigan, to two years of probation for uttering and publishing.

• Terry Hess III, 31, of Volinia, to one year in jail and five years of probation for assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

• Jimmy Norton, 53, of White Pigeon, to two years of probation for possession of methamphetamine.

• Tanisha White, 27, of Dowagiac, to two years of probation for fleeing from police, possession of marijuana and operating while intoxicated.

• Shawn Disher, 45, of Elkhart, to 90 days in jail and two years of probation for conspiracy to commit breaking and entering a building with intent.

• Bryan Bailey, 37, of Cassopolis, to 300 days in jail for possession of methamphetamine.