ELLSWORTH – A Bangor man who was found guilty in a hit-and-run accident involving a bicyclist was sentenced Tuesday to serve 20 months in prison.

Frederick Ward, 21, was sentenced to four years in prison with all but 18 months suspended for leaving the scene of a serious bodily injury accident, a felony. Justice Joseph Jabar, presiding in Hancock County Superior Court, also gave Ward a consecutive sentence of 60 days for violating bail and imposed a probation term of four years.

A jury of nine men and three women convicted Ward on Monday of hitting Maureen Smilkstein, 58, of Colorado Springs, Colo., last October while driving south on Route 102 in Tremont.

Smilkstein was treated at the time for cuts, bruises and a fractured finger but testified last week that she has ongoing medical complications from the accident.

Ward, driving his father’s truck, sped away from the accident, leaving the injured woman by the side of the road, according to police. He was arrested later that day in Bangor, they said.

Hancock County Assistant District Attorney Pat Larson said Tuesday that he was satisfied with the sentence. “It exceeded my expectations,” Larson said.

Ward’s attorney, Ferdinand “Andy” Slater of Ellsworth, said he felt the sentence was too stiff.

“I respect the wisdom and judgment of the court, but I think Mr. Ward was dealt with a little more harshly than another person” in the same situation would have been, Slater said. He said he has talked to his client about a possible appeal but no decision has been made.

Jabar also ordered Ward to pay restitution for whatever amount is not covered by insurance. Smilkstein’s medical expenses so far total about $14,000, according to Larson.

Larson said during the sentencing that Ward repeatedly has assaulted various members of his family and that Smilkstein has approached a local lawyer about filing a civil suit against Ward. No records of such a suit were on file Tuesday in the Superior Court clerk’s office.

Slater told the judge that Ward’s reaction to hitting Smilkstein may stem from emotional problems he has had since his 15-year-old nephew was killed in a car accident. A shorter sentence would make Ward more able to care for his two young sons and to pay restitution for the accident, he said.

Smilkstein told Jabar she has nightmares about the accident. She said her grandfather and father-in-law were both killed by hit-and-run drivers, neither of which have been brought to justice.

“In my opinion, Mr. Ward, you are the equivalent of a terrorist,” Smilkstein said.

Ward choked up when he stood to address the court. He sat back down, shaking his head and covering his face with his hand.

When Jabar asked him what he had told other judges when he was put on probation previously, Ward said he has sought assistance for emotional and drug problems.

“I wasn’t able to get the type of treatment I needed with my income,” Ward said. Ward told Jabar he had a job putting siding on homes when the accident occurred.

Jabar admonished Ward about his repeated offenses and cautioned him about reforming his behavior.

“Your track record is horrendous,” Jabar said. “You have to learn how to do something for yourself. This woman you left on the side of the road could have died, and you’d be facing a manslaughter charge.”