Man Who Tried to Kill Sleeping Girlfriend Over Strip Club Sentenced

A Michigan man who tried to strangle his sleeping girlfriend after she objected to him frequenting strip clubs will spend nearly five years in prison.

Sean Jones, 31, of Traverse City accepted a plea deal that saved him from a trial on attempted murder charges, The Grand Rapids Gazette/MLive.com reports. He admitted to charges of assault by strangulation, assault with intent to commit great bodily harm and unlawful imprisonment.

In April, Jones kill his girlfriend of eight months because of “her not wanting him to go to strip clubs,” Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Bob Cooney told the Grand Rapids newspaper. The victim had bruises on her neck consistent with strangling, according to police reports at the time.

Grand Traverse County Circuit Judge Thomas Power sentenced Jones to 57 months to 15 years on the unlawful imprisonment, and concurrent sentences of four to 10 years on the other charges.

Jones was determined competent to stand trial after mental health evaluations, the Traverse City Record-Eagle

“It was sad case, because it was clear there was mental illness, but he knew what he did,” said Grand Traverse County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg.