AUGUSTA — A man told a judge Wednesday he’s looking for a new start once he’s served jail time for stabbing another man in the back in Waterville.

Meanwhile, the victim told the judge in court, “I’m nervous because my back is turned to him now. I do not feel comfortable.”

Charles Raymond Bellows, 31, of Waterville, pleaded no contest to a charge of aggravated assault in an April 8 attack on Michael P. Reed, 26, of Waterville, as well as to a charge of domestic-violence assault against his son’s mother on March 1.

Justice Donald Marden convicted him on both charges in Kennebec County Superior Court.

Bellows pleaded guilty to a March 1 robbery for allegedly taking and using an electronics benefit card from his son’s mother and to stealing oxycodone from another woman the night before the stabbing.

Bellows was sentenced to eight years in jail, with six years suspended, and three years of probation, as recommended by both the prosecutor and the defense attorney. He also was fined $400.

At the hearing, Reed asked that Bellows get a longer sentence.

“This guy almost killed me,” Reed said. “I keep having to go to the hospital every day. He punctured my lungs and diaphragm.”

Bellows was sitting at least 12 feet away with his attorney, Lisa Whittier, in a section of the court generally occupied by those in custody.

Outside the courtroom Wednesday, Reed said the sentence “was like a punch in my face.” Reed said he had two chest tubes inserted during emergency surgery and has had to undergo surgery three times since the stabbing.

Assistant District Attorney James Mitchell Jr. said during the hearing that Reed went to the Spring Street area at the request of his girlfriend, who was walking home with another woman when they were verbally accosted by two men, one of them Bellows.

Mitchell said Bellows hit Reed with a board across his back.

“As (Reed) ran to Elm Street, he felt two pinches in his back,” Mitchell said. “He felt like he was sweating too much. He had been stabbed two times and both lungs were punctured.”

Mitchell told Justice Donald Marden that a witness saw Reed get hit with the wooden board, but did not witness the stabbing; however, he said the person with Bellows left without going near Reed, Mitchell added.

Whittier said Bellows entered the no-contest pleas to try to avoid potential liability if civil lawsuits were filed against him in connection with the incident.

“My client is taking full responsibility for his actions,” Whittier said. “He wants to move on with his life. Mr. Bellows is also very apologetic for what happened to Mr. Reed.”

Whittier said Bellows’ wife, who served time in federal prison and is now doing well in southern Maine, is prepared to assist Bellows when he gets out.

Bellows told the judge he got his General Educational Development certificate while in prison in Thomaston. He said he had been in the criminal justice system as a juvenile and was charged numerous times with escape and other charges.

Mitchell read aloud from Bellows’ adult criminal record, which included convictions for marijuana cultivation, assault, domestic-violence assault, theft, carrying a concealed weapon, and trafficking in prison contraband.

“You’ve got one whale of a record, and your explanation to me regarding your juvenile experience hasn’t done you any favors,” Marden said to Bellows. “Even at your age, it’s not too late to burn your bridges and start over. Whether you do the eight years (in jail) is up to you. Frankly, sir, you’re getting quite a break here.”

Betty Adams — 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

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