Modesto man convicted of domestic violence for hitting, dragging victim by the hair

A Modesto man was sentenced to five years in state prison after he pleaded no contest to felony counts of domestic violence this month, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

Richard Anthony Birts, 38, was convicted on Dec. 1. Deputy District Attorney Elaine G. Casillas prosecuted the case.

In October 2015, Birts became angry with the victim after she woke him up while getting ready to go to work. Birts assaulted her – hitting and pulling her hair — until she called 911.

Fearing being arrested by the police, Brits ran away. Months later, in February, he contacted the victim, who was staying with family members.

She agreed to meet Birts outside the family members’ home where he immediately grabbed her by her hair, dragged her down the street and punched her in the mouth. When the victim called 911, Birts again ran away but was subsequently arrested and charged for both incidents.

This story was originally published December 8, 2016 at 4:42 PM with the headline "Modesto man convicted of domestic violence for hitting, dragging victim by the hair."