Man gets jail term for second battery

East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl sentenced a 36-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos man to one year in Douglas County Jail after he battered a 24-year-old woman with such force she had to be taken by helicopter to Reno for evaluation.

The incident was the second time that Ronald Troy Sullivan had injured the same young woman.

"That's what kind of animal you are when you drink," EnEarl told Sullivan as he showed him photographs of the bruised and bloodied victim.

"That's what you did to the one who says she still wants a relationship with you. Why? I don't have a clue," EnEarl said.

The victim attended the sentencing but did not make a statement.

Sullivan's lawyer, Tod Young, said she "does very much love Mr. Sullivan."

He said she didn't recant her statement, but had been supportive and visited him in jail.

Sullivan blamed the battery on his alcoholism.

"It's not that I choose to want to drink. I can't choose not to. It's not me, sir, it's not me. I'm not that person. I love her more than anything in the world except my children," he said dissolving in tears.

"I want to apologize to my girl friend. I do love her very much. And I apologize to you for taking up this court's time again."

EnEarl said he would give Sullivan a "leg up" on his sobriety by keeping him in jail.

"When you get out, you will be able to say you have 270 days sober," EnEarl said, giving Sullivan credit for time served.

Sullivan begged EnEarl to let him go home so he could get his children in counseling.

"You messed up your probation on three separate occasions," EnEarl said.

Sullivan was arrested Jan. 13 after deputies were called to a house on Bluerock by the victim whom they described as hysterical and covered in blood.

When officers arrived at James Road, Sullivan was wrestling with a deputy in the back yard and refused to surrender.

It took nearly half a dozen officers to subdue Sullivan who kicked, bit and punched the deputies.

He was finally hog-tied with a dog leash and carried to a patrol car where he continued to resist.

His sentence Wednesday included six months for resisting a public officer. Sullivan must complete 52 weeks of domestic violence prevention counseling when he's released from jail.