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McGuire enters guilty plea in strangling case

A Youngsville man has pled guilty to strangling his pregnant girlfriend during a domestic dispute.

Michael B. McGuire entered the plea to strangulation – applying pressure to throat or neck, a felony, and simple assault before Judge Gregory Hammond on Thursday afternoon.

In exchange for the plea, charges of strangulation – blocking the nose and mouth of the person, harassment and aggravated assault of unborn child were not prosecuted.

The incident occurred on Dec. 10 at 3:45 p.m.

Youngsville Borough Police alleged in the affidavit of probable cause that McGuire punched and kicked the victim several times, then choked her and tried to cover her mouth with duct tape which didn’t stick.

The affidavit further detailed that McGuire punched her in the head and face and kicked her in the stomach “about five times.”

The victim further told police that “he dumped honey over her head and cut her jacket with scissors,” per the affidavit.

Police said when he was arrested that McGuire admitted to pouring honey over her head and cutting the jacket but denied all of the other conduct.

District Attorney Rob Greene said the victim was consulted on the terms of the plea.

Hammond advised McGuire that the strangulation charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000 while the simple assault charge adds two years incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000.

McGuire remains behind bars in the Warren County Jail.

David C. Rensma, Youngsville, also entered a guilty plea before Hammond.

He pled guilty to a count of simple assault. Charges of stangulation – applying pressure to throat or neck and harassment were not prosecuted.

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