Ludington man sent to prison for pulling out knife in bar fight.

Eric Gillespie with his attorney, David Glancy.

By Allison Scarbrough. Courts/Police Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 49-year-old Ludington man was sentenced to a minimum of one-and-a-half years in prison Tuesday, March 8, in 51st Circuit Court for pulling out a knife during a bar fight last summer.

Eric Lee Gillespie, of 222 E. Melendy St., pleaded “no contest” to felonious assault and carrying a concealed weapon last December. Judge Susan K. Sniegowski, who noted Gillespie’s seven prior felonies and five prior misdemeanors, sentenced him to concurrent prison terms of 18-48 months and 18-60 months with one day jail credit.

As part of a plea agreement, a third-offense habitual offender status in that case was dismissed, as well as a separate file that alleged third-offense domestic violence and fourth-offense habitual offender status.

Gillespie’s attorney, David Glancy, said previously his client was intoxicated the night of the incident and doesn’t recall the details of the night, so a “no contest” plea was necessary.

According to the police report, Gillespie pulled out a six-inch knife during a fight and stated, “I’ll stick you,” to the victim, Aug. 29. The assault occurred outside the Gasoline Alley Bar in Ludington according to the report.

“Mr. Gillespie’s record is long,” said Spaniola, and his record deals with drugs and violence.