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After confirmation from Cayuga County Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Susan Azzarelli, Leone said he was still uneasy.

But the judge nonetheless went on to tell John T. Netti, 24, that he would have to serve five years in state prison for second-degree attempted murder.

The Thursday morning sentence in Cayuga County Court came 15 months after Netti attacked a woman walking her dog near Rockingham Road in Sennett and attempted to strangle her to death.

Leone said he wanted to make sure with Azzarelli that the victim had agreed to five years for a charge that can carry a sentence of up to 15.

Azzarelli said the victim understood that Netti, who has claimed that he blacked out during the attack, was experiencing mental health issues.

Still, the attack has caused the victim mental health issues of her own, Azzarelli said. According to a victim impact statement read by the prosecutor, she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder that requires medication and counseling. She is afraid of crowds, and because the attack took place a quarter-mile from her home, she is afraid to walk her dog in what was a "peaceful neighborhood" for her.

"There are some days it is difficult to leave home," the statement said. "This has affected my life in a way I will never recover from."

Netti's attorney, Rome Canzano, said his client "sincerely regrets the events ... and the ramifications of his actions." Working on himself will be a priority in prison, the attorney added.

Asked by Leone if he had any words of his own, Netti said: "I'm sorry for my actions and my behavior." 

Netti was initially charged with criminal obstruction of breathing after the attack. Police and the victim said he jumped out of a parked trailer on Feb. 2, 2024, and chased her and her dog, strangled her, and then fled into Highland Park Golf Course after a neighbor shouted at him while calling 911. The attempted murder charge, a Class B felony, was added the following month. 

´¡´Ú³Ù±ð°ùÌýpsychiatric evaluations for a potential plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, Netti ultimately pleaded guilty due to the evidence against him.

His prison term will be followed by five years of post-release supervision.