BERRIEN CO., Ga. – Christopher Lee Manders, age 47, received a sentence of 10 years in prison for an assault from 2018.

Manders pleaded guilty to Aggravated Battery-Family Violence, Aggravated Assault-Family Violence (2 counts) and 3 other felony charges. District Attorney Dick Perryman’s office asked for 15 years in prison, but the judge on the case handed down a sentence of 10 years in prison with an additional 10 years on probation.

Manders pleaded guilty to the 2018 assault against his girlfriend and a minor child. The parties argued sentencing before the judge since no sentencing agreement was reached prior to the guilty plea.

The sentence for Manders includes banishment from the counties of Atkinson, Berrien, Clinch, Cook and Lanier for the entire 20 years. Manders must also attend domestic violence prevention classes once released from prison.

“I am proud to see this man sentenced to a full decade in prison for his violent crimes,” D.A. Perryman stated. “It is a priority in this office to send violent criminals to prison in order to protect the citizens of this circuit. I must commend Sheriff Ray Paulk and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office for their diligent work on this case. I am also proud of my staff for all their hard work and must commend ADA Annika Register for her efforts. It is crucial that we continue to pursue and prosecute these cases for the benefit of our community and the safety of our citizens.”