NASHUA – After hearing assault suspect Michael Benoit’s impassioned plea for personal recognizance bail so he wouldn’t lose his job, district court Judge Elizabeth Leonard on Monday agreed to “take a leap of faith” and grant the request.

Benoit, 28, last known address of Temple Street in Nashua, was arraigned Monday morning before Leonard in the Nashua court via video conference from Valley Street jail, where he had been held during the weekend on his original $3,500 cash or surety bail.

Police arrested Benoit around 7 p.m. Saturday, charging him with several offenses which accuse him of punching a family member in the face, striking a female acquaintance twice in the face, smashing a table and damaging a cell phone, and then allegedly trying to flee from police and resisting their efforts to take him into custody.

The charges, all misdemeanors, include two counts each of simple assault and criminal mischief; one count of simple assault-domestic violence, and three counts of resisting arrest or detention.

Leonard entered not guilty pleas on Benoit’s behalf, and scheduled his next court hearing for 8:15 a.m. Sept. 4.

Nashua police Prosecutor Jonathan Lehto, citing the nature of the charges as well as the numerous entries on Benoit’ criminal record, asked Leonard to continue the $3,500 bail.

Acknowledging the new charges stem from two incidents – the alleged attack on the family member took place June 18 – Lehto also voiced concerns over Benoit being a danger to himself and others, as well as presenting a flight risk.

While Benoit’s record includes charges of robbery, theft, bail jumping, burglary and several motor vehicle offenses, according to Lehto, Benoit told Leonard he’s stayed out of trouble for several years, “working hard … taking care of my kids … I had just one slip-up,” he said of the allegations against him.

“I want to get back to work. I don’t want to lose my job,” Benoit said. “I worked hard to get this job.”

Leonard initially amended Benoit’s bail to $2,000 cash or surety, but after reconsidering, granted the $5,000 personal recognizance bail.

“However, these charges are serious,” she told Benoit. “Any breach of (bail) conditions, you will likely be back in jail.”

The orders state that Benoit is to have no contact with either of the alleged victims, and remain at least 300 feet from them, and otherwise remain on good behavior.

Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 594-1256, dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com or @Telegraph_DeanS.