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Man Sentenced To 3-6 Years In T Station Beating Case

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A man accused of attacking another man at the Wood Street T Station downtown was sentenced Wednesday to three to six years in prison for aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation.

As part of his sentence, Ryan Kyle must also serve four years of probation.

He apologized to the victim in court Wednesday morning saying," I can't expect you to forgive me, but I am truly sorry."

Kyle said nothing on his way to court to be sentenced for beating a man at the T station on May 30, 2015, after a Kenny Chesney Concert at Heinz Field.

Al Burke, Kyle's attorney, said his client, who is white, is not a racist, even though he used a racial slur when describing the victim, Kevin Lockett, who is African-American, to police.

"Whatever sentiments he had that came out that evening, he is remorseful for, regretful for, certainly wished it never happened," said Burke.

Port Authority surveillance video shows Kyle pushing Lockett off the platform of the T station and onto the tracks. Kyle later punched Lockett several times.

Lockett says he's undergone four surgeries and has vision problems. He suffered a concussion during the attack.

Four other men faced charges related to the incident.

Lockett believes Kyle's sentence wasn't just.

"It's another slap on the hand, slap on the wrist for him. There's no justice here," said Lockett.

Kyle apologized to Lockett saying, "I'm sorry for what happened that night. My behavior was horrible."

Kyle blamed his behavior on alcohol, and said he barely remembered the incident.

Judge Jeffrey Manning admonished Kyle for blaming alcohol for his actions, and wondered if race was an issue.

Kyle will serve concurrent sentences of three to six years for aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation.

Judge Manning told Kyle, "It's not a crime to hate. It's a crime to hate and act upon that hate."

Several character witnesses spoke on behalf of Kyle, including his father and grandmother, who were both very emotional.

Lockett's mother and sister were not in court, but sent letters to the court asking for a fair sentence.

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