Ludington man admits to taking mother’s car on a joy ride.

Gary Nickleson with his attorney, David Glancy.

Ludington man admits to taking mother’s car on a joy ride.

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By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 58-year-old Ludington man pleaded guilty in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Jan. 3, to a high-court misdemeanor of unlawful use of a motor vehicle or “joyriding” and a misdemeanor charge of operating while intoxicated.

Gary Allen Nickleson, 58, of 813 N. Rowe St., was arrested last November by the Ludington Police Department. One felony count of third-degree fleeing police was dismissed when Nickleson pleaded to the other two charges Tuesday.

Nickleson testified that he took his mother’s car without permission.

His plea agreement calls for a one-year discretionary jail term with time served as his up-front jail time, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. Nickleson’s driver’s license will also be suspended.

Due to health issues, Defense Attorney David Glancy asked Judge Susan K. Sniegowski to allow his client to be released from jail on a personal recognizance bond to await his Feb. 14 sentencing.

Sniegowski said the court staff will try to get an earlier sentencing date, because she said that she did not want to release Nickleson unless he is on SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring).