An Erie man will spend years in state prison for intentionally ramming his vehicle into one occupied by a woman and her young child.

Vincent M. Winicki, 30, of Erie, was sentenced Friday to a total of 39 to 78 months in state prison by Judge Gregory Hammond.

Warren County Public Defender Kord Kinney said his client is “not a bad person” but he “has a severe alcohol dependency.”

He said Winicki was aware he would be sent to state prison and “he is looking forward to (his time in jail) as on opportunity to address those needs,” Kinney said.

District Attorney Rob Greene did not agree with Kinney’s assessment of Winicki. “We believe the defendant is a bad person,” Greene said. “He terrorized this individual and her young daughter.”

He said the victim “requests as long a sentence as possible.”

Winicki said “it’s unfortunate” the victim was not in court on Friday. “I was planning on apologizing to her, her daughter, and my family,” he said.

Hammond said Winicki had written a letter to the court prior to sentencing, indicating that he was “nervous and scared.”

“I wonder how nervous and scared this little girl and this woman were when your vehicle was bearing down on them,” he said.

He said consecutive sentences were appropriate. Hammond also said applying a deadly weapon enhancement would be appropriate.

For aggravated assault, Hammond sentenced Winicki to 27 to 54 months in prison to be served consecutive to an existing sentence, $250 in fees, submit a DNA sample, and undergo drug and alcohol and mental health evaluations. For recklessly endangering another person, Winicki was ordered to serve another 12 to 24 months (consecutive) in state prison.

Hammond also ordered that Winicki be under supervision during a 12-month re-entry period after his release.