PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Wednesday, Judge Jane Mulqueen sentenced Curtis McGirt, 45, to serve five to seven years in state prison on charges of breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, aggravated assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, and malicious destruction of property over $250.

 

Judge Mulqueen also sentenced McGirt to serve concurrent time at the Berkshire County House of Correction on single counts of threat to commit a crime, assault and battery, and malicious destruction of property.

 

The state's sentencing guidelines recommend a sentence of four to six years.

 

The case dates back to Sept. 10, 2016, when McGirt first pushed in a screen window, damaging property inside the home, and assaulted the victim. He returned to the house later and struck the victim with a hammer.

 

"I thank the Pittsfield Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory for their investigation into this violent assault. This conviction holds Mr. McGirt accountable for his actions and provides the victim an opportunity to heal," District Attorney Andrea Harrington said.