Man pleads guilty to felonious assault.

Austin Billings with defense attorney David Glancy.

Man pleads guilty to felonious assault.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 26-year-old homeless man pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder and third-offense habitual offender in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Oct. 16.

Austin Marten Billings pleaded guilty to an added third count, and in exchange, charges of first-degree home invasion and aggravated assault were dismissed. The plea agreement calls for serving six months up front of a one-year discretionary jail term

Billings assaulted a male victim, resulting in a laceration to his head, he testified. His actions began as self-defense, he said.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 4 at 1:45 p.m. at which time he may have already served the up-front time, said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. He may be released prior to sentencing.

Billings’ sentence will include a substance use evaluation, probation and restitution in the amount of $3,415, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola.

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 0-25 months.

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Tags: 51st Circuit Court, circuit court, court news