A West Yellowstone man was sentenced Tuesday to probation for striking a 12-year-old boy with a wooden paddle about a month before the boy was found dead.
Gage Roush, 19, was given a five year deferred sentence for assaulting James Alex Hurley in January. He is also required to go through counseling.
Roush appeared with attorney Kirsten Mull Core in Gallatin County District before Judge Peter Ohman.
Roush pleaded guilty to assault on a minor in November.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors recommended that Roush serve a suspended five year sentence in the Montana State Prison. A suspended sentence stays on a personâs record, whereas a defendant can petition to remove a deferred sentence.