A Toms River man will spend nearly a decade in prison for trying to run over his girlfriend.

A judge sentenced James Crudup to seven years in prison Friday morning for trying to run over his girlfriend Felicia Smith three times in December 2014.

Crudup and Smith were stopped at a gas station along Route 37 in Toms River when he started to choke her during an argument. Police say that when she tried to escape, Crudup backed up his Dodge Durango into Smith and pinned her against a gas pump. She suffered severe injuries to her leg.

After the assault, Smith's mother Linda Reid told News 12 New Jersey that the couple had been dating for a few years, but the relationship soured. There were three domestic violence incidents in which police were called prior to the gas station incident, according to Reid.

Smith did not appear at the court hearing Friday because she has a restraining order out against Crudup. Her mother spoke to the court on her behalf.

"She did also says whatever you get, you deserve it. But I really feel for you, I hope you can get your life back together," Reid said in court.

Crudup told the judge that he learned from his mistakes.

"I can tell you it won't happen again your honor," he said.

Judge Rochelle Gizinski says that she considered Crudup's statements, as well as his prior arrests for sexual assault and drug possession when handing down the seven-year sentence.

Crudup must serve at least five years before he can have a chance at parole. He cannot have any contact with Smith.