LINDEN &8212; In a trial today at the Marengo County Courthouse, Michael Johnson of Demopolis was found guilty of committing domestic violence in the first degree on May 17, 2006.

Johnson was charged of the class A felony after the judge and jury heard the testimony of the victim, Barbara Little, who was beaten severely in the incident last May.

According to Marengo County District Attorney Greg Griggers, Johnson and Little had been in a relationship for approximately three months. Little became unhappy with the relationship and decided to separate from Johnson. After Little would not return his phone calls, Johnson entered her home and, after an altercation, proceeded to beat her severely.

The police report indicates that Johnson beat Little with his fists, an electric iron, a radio, a stool and stabbed her with a knife. He also appears to have grabbed a hammer with the intention of continuing the assault.

After the incident, Little sustained severe injuries to her left eye, which had to be replaced with a prosthesis. Her liver was also badly punctured and she had to undergo surgery to repair it.

Before the incident, Little was employed as a licensed practical nurse. Since then, she has not been able to return to work.

Officers who were at the scene of the crime testified during the trial and provided photos of the crime scene.

Johnson had two previous charges of domestic violence in addition to rape and criminal mischief charges.

Johnson will be held at the Marengo County jail until his sentencing on August 9.