BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A Bakersfield man has been found guilty of felony assault and spousal abuse for repeatedly pistol-whipping his girlfriend, leaving her bloodied and with a broken jaw. Stephen Alan Swain, 40, was convicted Friday and faces up to 24 years and four months in prison at next month's sentencing hearing, according to the Kern County District Attorney's Office. He was also convicted of four counts of child cruelty. Prosecutors said the assault happened in front of his four children. "Unfortunately, most domestic violence incidents are not isolated events," District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a release. "They often become cycles of escalating violence that can lead to tragic outcomes, even death. "While the victim endured horrific injuries, I am relieved that the perpetrator was finally apprehended before an even greater tragedy occurred." On April 27, 2023, deputies arrived at a home in north Bakersfield where they found Swain's injured girlfriend. Swain had already left with the children. The girlfriend told deputies she and Swain argued and he held her face to a couch -- making it difficult for her to breathe. Swain then pistol-whipped her in the face more than 20 times, she said. Deputies found bullet strikes on the outside of the residence; Swain was acquitted of a charge alleging he fired at the home. Prosecutors recommend those experiencing domestic violence call the Kern County Family Justice Center for help. Click here for more information.