Rolla man convicted under new domestic violence law

ROLLA, Mo. -- A man faces prison time as the first person in Phelps County convicted of a crime under a new domestic violence law.

Jonathan C. Guild, 33, of Rolla, was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree domestic assault in an attack on his former girlfriend.

The charge was created by the Missouri Legislature in 2000 to increase the punishment in domestic violence cases.

Phelps County Prosecutor Ken Clayton said it was the first conviction by his office under the law.

Testimony showed Guild became upset on Nov. 21, 2000, when his former girlfriend refused to revive their relationship.

The woman was hit several times in the face, knocking out four teeth, authorities said.

The woman testified that she already has spent more than $4,000 trying to repair the damage to her mouth.

Guild said he shoved the woman, causing her to trip over her 2-year-old son.

He said she then fell into a door facing, injuring her mouth.

Guild's attorney told jurors the attack should be nothing more than a misdemeanor offense.

The case was heard in Pulaski County on a change of venue from Phelps County.

Jurors recommended Guild serve three years in prison. Sentencing will be set once a pre-sentencing report is done.