A Berks County man was sentenced to a state prison term on Monday after pleading guilty to one count of simple assault stemming from a domestic incident.

Joel Robert Stewart, 49, of Mohnton, was sentenced by Judge Steven R. Serfass to serve 12 to 24 months in a state correctional institution.

Stewart was arrested by Lehighton police on July 14, 2021, at a residence along Iron Street. Officers were dispatched to the home for a report of a domestic assault incident.

Stewart entered his plea via video from the Lycoming County prison in Williamsport where he is being held on other charges.

Chief public defender Paul J. Levy, said his client suffers from mental health issues. He said he accepts responsibility for his actions.

Stewart said he is currently on medication for his mental health issues and that helps him handle the situations he is facing.

The victim in the case spoke via phone from the state prison at Muncy, Lycoming County, where she is serving a parole violation. She said she wanted Stewart to pay for what he did to her, but that she felt the state system would not help him with his mental health issues.

Serfass disagreed, saying the state system gives Stewart the best chance for getting the held he needs.

Serfass also ordered Stewart get a mental health evaluation, have no contact with the victim and pay court costs of over $1,000.