A Hali'imaile man was found guilty Tuesday of abusing a woman who was dragged by a noose into a Kipahulu forest and of punching a driver who tried to intervene.

A 2nd Circuit Court jury convicted Graden J. Miguel, 43, of felony abuse by strangulation, abuse, unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and third-degree assault. Instead of an original charge of first-degree unlawful imprisonment, he was found guilty of a lesser charge of second-degree unlawful imprisonment.

"This case is an example of how domestic violence affects the whole community," Deputy Prosecutor Melinda Mendes said. "There wasn't just one victim here. Although his girlfriend didn't want to pursue charges, this case involves a bystander who also ended up getting injured. Unfortunately, the defendant did these actions with his kids present."

Miguel was arrested at about 10 p.m. Nov. 9, 2008, after Hana patrol officers went to Alalele Bridge in Kipahulu, responding to a report of a woman in distress.