Man admits battering woman at home they shared

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Moments before his jury trial was set to begin, a Gary man pleaded guilty Monday to battery in exchange for a six-year prison term.

Michael J. Gardner, 42, admitted he battered Shavonne Leggett by putting her in a chokehold and striking her with a closed fist and open hand. Leggett lost consciousness during the Nov. 21 assault at a home they shared in the 1800 block of Dunes Hwy., Gary.

Gardner had been charged with attempted aggravated battery and confinement, both counts punishable by a sentence range of six to 20 years. The plea agreement negotiated by defense attorney Timothy Ormes and deputy prosecutor Sabrina Haney calls for an eight-year sentence, with six years executed in prison and two years suspended and served on probation.

Lake Superior Court Judge Clarence Murray scheduled a March 20 sentencing hearing.