On Friday, David Liskany was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Prosecutors were recommending that Liskany be locked up for four years. The judge shocked everyone when he announced his 16-year sentence.

In October, Liskany pleaded guilty to charges of felonious assault and attempted felonious assault for using dog shock collars on his children who are 13, 14, and 4.

He threw his children into water, threw water at them as a form of discipline and even forced it up their noses.

Three people, including his soon to be ex-wife, testified on Liskany’s behalf. They painted him as a successful and religious man who seemed to snap under pressure of being a father.

The judge compared Liskany’s discipline to something that would have been done at Guantanamo Detention Center.

Liskany spoke in court and said, “I’m very sorry for the mistakes I’ve made and the pain I have caused. I’m sorry. I just wanted to be a loving father. That is what I was trying to do. I just want to do whatever it takes to be reunited with my family who I love very much.”

Most everyone in the courtroom was in shock with the judge made his announcement, even the prosecutors.