A Lawrence man on Friday was sentenced to more than six years in prison for attacking and sexually assaulting a woman last year in his apartment.

Benjamin A. Meeks, 21, will serve 43 months for aggravated battery and 34 months for aggravated sexual battery. Douglas County District Court Judge Michael Malone, citing the serious nature of the crimes, ordered the sentences to be served consecutively. When he is released from prison, Meeks will have to register as a sex offender.

Meeks’ attorney, Kevin Babbit, had argued for the sentences to be served concurrently. He noted that a psychiatrist who conducted a mental evaluation didn’t think Meeks would continue sex-offender behavior. Meeks also spoke, expressing his remorse for the incident and promised to seek substance abuse treatment.

But Assistant District Attorney Amy McGowan argued that the crime was predatory in nature. McGowan said the victim suffered severe physical problems from the beating as well as psychological problems.