BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Billings woman has been sentenced for hitting a convenience store employee with her car as she tried to drive away without paying for gas.

District Judge Mary Jane Knisely on Wednesday ordered 26-year-old Ashley Helen Willett to five years in state custody, with all but six months suspended.

The Billings Gazette reports that Willett previously admitted to the criminal endangerment charge. Knisely imposed concurrent jail sentences for charges of theft, driving without a valid license and driving without insurance.

The judge also ordered her to pay $32,907 in restitution and a $500 fine.

Prosecutors say the Billings woman struck an employee as she was trying to leave a Holiday Station last October without paying for gas.

Knisely says the victim was seriously injured and suffers permanent medical issues.

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM