Watch CBS News

Man Sentenced In Beaver Co. Nun Attack & Sexual Assault Case

ALIQUIPPA (KDKA) – A young man who pleaded guilty to attacking, beating and sexually assaulting a Beaver County nun last year has been sentenced to 18 and a half to 37 years in prison.

Andrew Bullock, 19, of Aliquippa, pleaded guilty in July and was back in court Wednesday to be sentenced.

In addition to prison time, Bullock will also be marked as a sexually violent predator for the rest of his life.

"The judge was fair and just. I think this was a tragic situation for all parties involved," said Bill Braslawsce, the defense attorney.

The victim was 85-years-old at the time of the attack on Dec. 13, 2013.

The judge said the only decent thing Bullock did was to plead guilty so the nun never had to testify at a trial.

Throughout the hearing Bullock showed no expression.

"That's not the brother that I knew, that's all I can say. That's not the brother that I knew," said Marjorie Jackson, Bullock's step-sister

"This was an absolutely heinous crime and probably the most horrific assault that you could have on a woman, short of killing her," said Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Popovich.

The victim was not in court for the sentencing, but a statement from her was read aloud.

It reads in part: "I now know the meaning of the word 'terror.' Even to this day, when someone unexpectedly approaches me, a single second of cold fear rips through my body."

She goes on to say that she forgives him, and the statement ends: "Learn to love God ever more Andrew, for He certainly loves you, and yearns for you to have a healthy, holy, and happy life."

Previously, she testified that she was on her way to 11:30 Mass at St. Titus Parish in Aliquippa when she stopped at the recycle bin and saw a young man who, smiling, asked if he could help her.

She testified she told Bullock, "Thank you very much, that's kind of you." But minutes later, the victim testified, "I knew I was in trouble."

The victim told the court: "He socked me in the jaw. I couldn't scream anymore. I thought I'm going to die. He's screaming at me, squeezing my jaw."

She described for the court how he sexually assaulted her. Shortly after, she said she blacked out.

She suffered a broken jaw as a result of the attack.

A key piece of evidence was a boot print in the snow that investigators say matches the boots Bullock was wearing.

You May Also Be Interested In These Latest News Stories

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.