Local man pleads guilty to pregnant wife's assault

Nelson
Nelson

A Hot Springs man arrested on a felony battery charge earlier this year after hitting his pregnant wife pleaded guilty Monday in Garland County Circuit Court.

Shane Allen Nelson, 26, was initially charged with second-degree domestic battery, punishable by up to 20 years in prison, but pleaded guilty to a felony count of third-degree domestic battery and was sentenced to three years' probation, fined $1,000 and ordered to pay $420 in court costs.

A court order previously issued barring him from contact with the victim will remain in place. He was arrested June 15 for violating that order and sentenced to 30 days in jail and is set to be released on Saturday.

Nelson was reportedly previously charged with domestic battery with the same victim in November 2016, which enhanced the charge to second-degree battery. Domestic battery is classified as a B felony if committed against a woman the person "knew or should have known was pregnant."

According to the probable cause affidavit, on Feb. 28, Nelson's wife reported an assault by her husband at their residence on Bellview Street. She stated she got upset during an argument and slapped him several times.

He responded by hitting his wife causing redness and bruising on the left side of her face. She reportedly declined medical treatment. The affidavit noted Nelson was not injured, but his wife was seven months pregnant with his child.

A warrant was issued for Nelson's arrest and he was taken into custody on March 7. He was released on $3,500 bond on May 16 pending trial.

Local on 07/11/2018

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