KENDALL - A Whatcom County man must serve a six-month sentence after arming himself with a baseball bat during a fight.

In July 2011, three men came to Peter Joseph Ballard's home on Shamrock Road, in the Kendall area, to pay back a loan, according to court records. Ballard grabbed a bat from a car in his driveway. He hit one man in the jaw, then in the back. The two other men suffered injuries to the face and head. Two men needed to get stitches at St. Joseph hospital.

At a court hearing Thursday, Dec. 20, prosecutors acknowledged Ballard, 33, might have grabbed the bat in self-defense. He pleaded guilty to three counts of assault in the fourth degree and one count of bail jumping, because he didn't show up for a Nov. 9, 2011, court hearing.

Judge Chuck Snyder ordered him to serve six months in jail and declined to recommend house arrest that Ballard's defense requested. Only two weeks of the sentence were linked to the actual assaults.

Last month, Ballard was charged with pointing a bow and arrow at the home of an acquaintance. Ballard had followed the victim home. He's expected to admit guilt in that case, too, as part of Thursday's plea deal.

Court records show Ballard has a history of illegal drug possession, violating protection orders, jumping bail and disorderly conduct.

Reach CALEB HUTTON at caleb.hutton@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2276.