A former Sharon man will spend time in the state penitentiary for hitting his ex-wife with a car.

Joseph Jawann Boulware Sr., 30, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and driving under suspension July 14. He was sentenced Thursday by Mercer County Common Pleas Judge Michael J. Wherry to serve 1 to 3 years in prison, but is eligible for boot camp. He was also ordered to pay court costs.

Wherry read a letter from Boulware that said the victim, Michelle Boulware of Hermitage, was not telling the truth about what had happened and "this is an act of jealousy."

Wherry asked Boulware if he wanted to change his guilty pleas, but Boulware said no.

Wherry also pointed out that Boulware has had 12 adult arrests and 10 convictions, which were mostly misdemeanors like disorderly conduct and harassment.