A Slippery Rock man was quietly sentenced to serve 1 to 2 years in prison for causing a ruckus at an earlier sentence court.

Robert W. Dunkel, 43, made no comment in court Thursday when Butler County Judge Tim McCune issued the new punishment with a dose of advice:

“I don’t want to see you spend more time in jail than you have to, but if you refuse to comply (with mental health treatment) there’s no other place to put you.”

Dunkel, according to court records, was set to be sentenced by a different judge for harassing a college student when the outburst occurred.

As the victim spoke to the judge, Dunkel became agitated, first making “weird” noises and snorting, according to witness testimony.

The incident escalated and Dunkel eventually scuffled with armed Sheriff’s deputies inside the court room, which was filled with other defendants and spectators.

During the melee, one deputy’s finger got cut.

A jury heard the circumstances in February and convicted Dunkel of aggravated assault, simple assault, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest.

Dunkel, who already served 90 days in jail for the harassment charge, also has another 305 days credit toward the new sentence.

Dunkel’s defense attorney Armand Cingolani said his client has appeal issues, but warned him in the courtroom that to proceed he would have to notify the lawyer after he is released from prison.

“This man needs treatment more than he needs punishment,” Cingolani said during the sentencing hearing.

McCune, who apparently agreed, ordered Dunkel not only to get that treatment but also to attend a special court especially designed for defendants with mental health issues during the course of two years of probation.