A man who took part in a home-invasion attack on a Batavia resident will serve seven years in state prison, Judge Robert C. Noonan ruled today.
It is the longest possible sentence available to Noonan under the terms of a plea arrangement agreed to by Kevin Andrews, 19, of 144 Bank St., Batavia.
Andrews admitted Dec. 19 to taking part in the break-in, which led to a resident of Woodstock Gardens losing his eye.
"If I could go back in time and take back everything that happened, I would," Andrews said. "I was wrong going into that building and into the premises. Whatever is given, I'm going to accept it and do my best to move on in life and make the best of what happens."
Noonan told Andrews that "there are no do-overs in life" saying the crime led to "horrible, horrible consequences."
After Noonan pronounced sentence, a handful of women in the gallery burst into tears.
District Attorney Lawrence Friedman opened the hearing asking Noonan to impose the stiffest available sentence, saying that in reducing the charge from a felony with a maximum 25-year sentence to one with only a seven-year max, Andrews already received a substantial break.
"I don’t think anyone could argue the claim that it is a horrible crime," Friedman said.
Christopher Preedom, 18, of 21 Holland Ave., Batavia, was accused of actually hitting the victim and causing him to lose his eye. He admitted to attempted assault.
Also allegedly involved in the attack was Timothy Andrews, 21, of 144 Bank St., Batavia.
