IDAHO FALLS, Idaho - An east Idaho man accused of assaulting his roommate with a samurai sword last fall has pleaded guilty.

Ruben Diaz, 25, now faces up to 30 years in prison on one count of aggravated battery, a felony accompanied by a deadly weapons enhancement.

Diaz was arrested Sept. 4 at his Bonneville County apartment after attacking roommate Duc Do, 24, with a three-foot-long sword.

Prosecutors say Do's left had was severely injured, had a finger cut off and suffered minor wounds to the head, arm and stomach.

In court Wednesday, defense attorney Drew Pendlebury said Diaz struck Do several times while Do was asleep, and blamed the assault on Diaz' struggle with mental illness. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 28.