Wife beater-torturer faces long term

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) - A man who brutally beat and tortured his wife pleaded no contest and may spend up to life in prison when he's sentenced March 19.

In February 2011, Robert Hornof was arrested after beating his wife Lola Hornof nearly to death.

The incident began in Newaygo County. After beating Lola severely, Hornof tied her up and drove her to Muskegon County to confront a friend with whom he though she was having an affair.

Lola was able to escape when they stopped at the house of the friend. She ran to a nearby gas station.

Hornof pursued her to the gas station and assaulted her again. He then lost control of his car as he fled the scene and crashed into a utility pole.

In December 2011, he accepted a plea agreement in Newaygo County for a sentence of no more than 14 years. However, on February 14, he was sentenced to between 14-40 years for his Newaygo crimes.

But in Muskegon County, he entered a no contest plea to the charges as presented -- assault with intent to murder and being a third-time habitual offender.

When he's sentenced, Judge Timothy Hicks could send Hornof to prison for no less than 19 years and as much as life behind bars. The Muskegon and Newaygo sentences, by law, must run concurrently.