David Anderson

David Anderson, 52, pleaded guilty to one count of domestic violence and one count of attempted unlawful restraint.

(Ida Lieszkovszky, NEOMG)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland police officer David Anderson Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday to domestic violence and attempted unlawful restraint in connection with attacks on a woman who was his girlfriend at the time.

The plea came shortly before his trial was to begin. Cuyahoga County Judge Michael Jackson then sentenced Anderson to 210 days in jail and two years of probation.

Anderson, 52, will not be allowed to work as a police officer as a condition of his sentence.

Anderson was accused of attacking his girlfriend three times on consecutive days, beginning Dec. 13, when he shoved her to the ground and she struck her head and lost consciousness, court records state.

The next day, Anderson again shoved her to the ground outside their home on South Hills Avenue in Cleveland, according to court records. The following day, he kicked in her bedroom door, chased her down the stairs and shoved her to the landing, where her head was bloodied.

After Anderson posted bond in that case, he met up with the woman on Jan. 31 at a Chili's restaurant in North Olmsted. The two began arguing, and the victim went into the bathroom with some employees. Prosecutors said Anderson went in after her and pulled her out. Two employees called the police, and Anderson has been in jail since then for violating his bond.

"It's always a sad day when a police officer commits a crime and we really get no pleasure out of this, but he did it," Assistant County Prosecutor Christopher Schroeder told the Northeast Ohio Media Group after the sentencing.

Schroeder said Anderson was constantly "blaming everyone but himself," and displayed a "malignant narcissism" during his plea and sentencing hearing.

During his sentencing, Anderson told the judge he "really loved" the victim and wanted their relationship to work. He said the victim had mental health and alcohol problems that led to disputes in their relationship, and told the judge that "when she's off her meds, she's scary."

Defense attorney Henry Hilow told the court that Anderson took responsibility for his actions and that the victim wanted to recant at one point and had contacted Anderson after the first incident.

"We acknowledged our guilt, but let's put this into perspective," Hilow said. "This is not a person who lived a crime-ridden life, this is a man who lived a life of public service."

Hilow said Anderson served as a Cleveland police officer for seven years and in the United States Navy for 16 years. But Jackson said it was clear Anderson has "deep-seated, anger-related issues." Jackson ordered Anderson to get help for anger management during his probation.

Because Anderson has already spent 161 days in county jail that count towards his sentence, he has 49 days left to serve.