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HAMILTON — Terrence Candidate, 23, was sentenced to 45 years in prison Thursday, June 26, on 14 counts involving the terrorizing of a family.

"Mr. Candidate, the court never takes pleasure in sentencing someone to this length of sentence," said Judge Craig Hedric. "But due to your dangerous nature and the conduct you've exhibited, it tells this court you're a dangerous person and the only way to keep the citizens of Ohio safe is if we warehouse you in a state prison."

Candidate was convicted June 17 on four of five counts stemming from a December 2007 car theft and police pursuit in West Chester Twp. On June 24, he was convicted on eight counts from a March 27 incident in which he broke into his former girlfriend's parents' house, threatened to kill the family, then slashed the girl's father with an electric knife blade, stole her car and fled.

Candidate also pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts for his role in a four-person escape attempt June 2 at Butler County Jail. Butler County Assistant Prosecutor Brad Burress explained that the plea agreement meant Candidate would not face charges for a second escape attempt, which took place June 24 as he was being led into the courtroom to hear the verdict in that day's trial.

Defense attorney Lyn Cunningham asked during the hearing that Hedric take into account his client's military service — Candidate served with the National Guard, he said — and the possibility that he may suffer from a mental illness.

"I know the court has one view of him based on what has come from the witness stand," Cunningham said. "However, I would ask the court to consider his youth."

William H. Murray Jr, the father whose house Candidate invaded in the March incident, painted a different picture of the defendant.

"I never felt comfortable with my daughter knowing Terrence Candidate. He was never stable," he said. "The day he came into my home my life changed."

Candidate offered a few mumbled comments in response to Hedric's questions, and was asked repeatedly to speak up.

"If I could take it all back, I would," he said before hunching down in his chair and falling silent.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5127 or mcunningham@coxohio.com.