A sentence of 16 days in the Washington County Jail was handed down Monday to a Marietta man convicted of domestic violence.

William Harris, 40, of 121 ½ Gilman Ave., pleaded guilty to a bill of information in May to one count of domestic violence, a fourth-degree felony. He faced a maximum of 18 months in prison.

The victim was notified but did not respond, said Washington County Assistant Prosecutor Jim Schneider.

When given the opportunity, Harris did not speak on his own behalf.

“How come you keep coming to court on domestic violences?” asked Washington County Common Pleas Judge Mark Kerenyi.

Harris said he started anger counseling on his own and so far, it’s been helping.

“I guess I just had an anger problem, which I’m now in L&P (Services) and I’m trying to get it all straightened out,” Harris answered.

Kerenyi asked if the days he’s being sentenced to will help convince him not to do it again.

“Oh yeah, I’m getting too old for this. I’m 40 years old and I’m too old for it.” Harris replied.

The domestic violence charge was a felony as Harris had been previously convicted of the offense in October 2003.

Harris was sentenced to 16 days in jail with a credit of two days. He also received two years of community control. He was booked and released Monday morning with orders to return to jail Aug. 24.

Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.