Tony Deval Ledbetter, 45, pleaded guilty to eight counts of domestic assault Friday

A South Dakota man pleaded guilty Friday to eight counts of domestic assault after he cut off his girlfriend's nipples with a pair of scissors.

Tony Deval Ledbetter, 45, and his companion were reportedly having a dispute about the state of their relationship the evening of October 11, 2016, when police say Lebnetter 'punched and slammed' the woman's head to the ground.

Ledbetter attempted to stop her from screaming and alarming neighbors of the matter by cutting off her airway with his forearm.

When that was unsuccessful, he took a blanket, stuffed it in the her mouth and sat on top of her, then proceeded to cut off her nipples with the scissors.

The victim was able to escape the scene. When she departed the house, Ledbetter phoned 911, police spokesman Sam Clemens said.

The couple was having a dispute the evening of October 11, 2016, when police say Ledbetter 'punched and slammed' the woman's head to the ground

The victim was able to escape the scene. When she departed the house, Ledbetter phoned 911, police spokesman Sam Clemens said

Ledbetter claimed during Friday's court hearing the violent act was one of 'self-defense' amidst the two-sided fiery feud.

The woman, who was pregnant at the time of the assault, is said to be doing fine and the baby healthy.

A friend of the victim created the GoFundMe page 'Woman Mutilated with Scissors,' to help spread the word on domestic abuse as well as aid in her nipple reconstruction surgery.

'Due to the serious nature of this violence and pending legal action the victim's name will remain anonymous,' the post reads.

A friend of the victim created GoFundMe page 'Woman Mutilated with Scissors'

'Please help financially support the woman who suffered this traumatic domestic violence... She is my best friend and my mentor, a hard-working employee, and single parent. She is pregnant with her abuser's child.

'Funds are needed for her reconstructive surgery, medical bills, home/utilities, and child care. Thank you for your generous support!'

So far, the fundraiser reached $10,220 of its goal of $250,000.

Ledbetter faces a maximum sentence of 15 years for each count he was charged.

The state 'agreed to ask for no more than 30 years,' according to the Argus Leader.

He will receive his sentence come November.