A Dowagiac man who prosecutors described as “hell on wheels” will spend the next two years on probation.

Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman sentenced 24-year-old James Lanier Brant, of Dowagiac, to two-year probation and 270 days in Cass County Jail for assault with a dangerous weapon and 90 days in Cass County Jail for failing to report an accident causing injury or death during the man’s sentencing hearing Friday. Brant plead guilty to the charge during an appearance in court on June 12.

Brant has credit for 164 days already served.

“I take full responsibility for my actions. It was a terrible accident and I’m very, very sorry,” Brant said.

The charge stems from an incident occurring on Aug. 31, 2016, when Brant deliberately ran a vehicle over his girlfriend.

According to witness accounts, Brant and the woman were fighting at the time of the incident and Brant was screaming profanities at her. After Brant ran the woman over, he pulled her into the vehicle and sped off. Eventually, the victim, who was in need of medical attention, received help from officers, at which point Brant ran off into the woods.

During a pre-sentencing investigation, Brant said the incident was an accident and that he did not see the woman as he was looking for his dog at the time he was backing up his vehicle. Judge Herman said he found this story unlikely due to the fact that Brant did not immediately seek medical attention for her.

“It’s obvious you and your girlfriend don’t mix at all,” Herman said to Brant.

This incident was not the first time that Brant has been involved with violence. In February, Brant was convicted of domestic violence in Berrien County. In 2014, Brant was sentenced to 18 months’ probation, 180 days in jail and 100 hours of community service for being involved in a car accident that resulted in the death of his then girlfriend, Carley Jean Hartman. Hartman and Brant were arguing at the time of the crash. 

“This is not a guy you’d want your daughter to date,” said Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz. “One man should never be involved with these types of repeated altercations. In this case [Brant’s girlfriend] didn’t die, but she very well could have. It is by the grace of God that she is not in the grave right now.”

Because of Brant’s past run-ins with the law Herman required that Brant participate in all recommended programs, including anger management.

“You really need to get help with your anger problems,” Herman told Brant during sentencing. “If you don’t get that under control, you are going to prison.”