A Sharon man who pleaded guilty to beating a man at a party on Sherman Avenue in July was sentenced Friday to 6 months to 2 years in the county jail, but he has already served the minimum behind bars.

Michael Salsgiver, 27, of 387 A St., pleaded guilty Nov. 12 to a misdemeanor charge of simple assault.

He originally was charged with aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy to commit assault and theft in an attack on James Ramsey, 35, of Pine Hollow Boulevard, Hermitage.

Ramsey said he was at the party when Salsgiver showed up and argued with Ramsey's stepson.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the argument started because Salsgiver tried to steal 500 compact discs worth about $5,000.

Ramsey said he got involved on behalf of his stepson.

Salsgiver left the party but returned 10 to 15 minutes later with several other people, Ramsey said.

He said two cars stopped and people got out and ran toward him, although he never saw Salsgiver exit the car.

Ramsey said Salsgiver made a fighting remark.

After that, Ramsey was kicked and punched repeatedly; he suffered a concussion in the attack.

Salsgiver apologized, saying he "didn't mean for it to end up this way."

President Judge Francis Fornelli called Salsgiver's actions "cowardly."

"I understand this was a triple team on this man," he said. "He ended up with a concussion."

According to restitution claims, Ramsey missed eight weeks of work because of his injuries.

Salsgiver received credit for 186 days served in county jail, meeting his minimum sentence requirement, and was ordered to pay $3,762 in restitution for lost wages and medical bills.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Amanda Smith-Teutsch at: ateutsch@sharonherald.com