Man goes to prison for third domestic battery conviction

A Carson City man convicted twice before on domestic battery charges, was sent to prison this week for again assaulting the same girlfriend.

Scott Raymond Spalding, 38, was sentenced in Carson City District Court Tuesday by Judge Bill Maddox to 12 to 48 months in prison for his third domestic battery conviction within seven years.

Spalding was arrested on a warrant June 25 stemming from a January incident in which he had slapped, punched, and held a pillow over the face of his longtime girlfriend, causing her to nearly lose consciousness

The prior domestic battery convictions occurred in December of 2003 in Nye County and in December of 2005 in Las Vegas. Both involved the same victim, according to Carson City Assistant District Attorney Gerald Gardner.

"Domestic violence is the most widespread form of violent crime in Carson City and in all of Nevada. Unless they are stopped, domestic batterers will continue their abuse, often escalating the severity of their violence," said District Attorney Neil Rombardo in a news release. "This defendant has proven that prison is the only way to protect women from his violent behavior."

Spalding is awaiting extradition to Clark County on similar charges of domestic violence committed against the same victim in May of 2007.

Under Nevada law, domestic battery is a misdemeanor for the first two convictions, punishable by up to six months in the county jail. A third conviction within seven years becomes a felony, punishable by 12 to 60 months in prison.