100 years for man who beat 80-year-old

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A man who beat and tortured an 80-year-old Grand Rapids woman will spend up to 100 years in prison for his crime after the judge called him a coward and predator.

Randall Lachniet was convicted in February for the torture, home invasion, and armed robbery of Betty Oosterhouse at her home last September. He was also convicted of cutting her phone lines and fleeing and eluding police.

He forced his way into her house, then broke her jaw, knocked out several teeth and gave her a concussion.

Oosterhouse testified against him at his trial. In his defense, he told the jury he hadn't slept in days before the attack, which was fueled by a crack cocaine addiction.

"I am saddened over the wasted life and I pray that Mr. Lachniet will come to know my savior Jesus Christ who will forgive him. This is the only way he will ever find peace," Oosterhouse said in court Thursday before Judge Mark Trusock sentenced Lachniet.

Then Lachniet said, "I would like to tell Mrs. Oosterhouse I am very sorry for what she has had to go through because of me." He also apologized to his family.

Oosterhouse said she was surprised by the apology. "It was encouraging, because on the stand he didn't show any (remorse). Even like he had looked at it realistically."

Trusock then pronounced sentence, going above the sentencing guidelines based on Lachniet's 11 felony convictions. "You are clearly a coward and a predator. The facts from the case were, at best, outrageous."

Lachniet begins his prison term of 60-100 years immediately.