On Friday in Saratoga County Court, prosecutors, the victim and her family all asked the judge to sentence the defendant, John Cole, to the maximum punishment allowed by the law. As Matt Hunter reports, that’s exactly what Cole received.

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. -- Seated in her wheelchair next to her husband, Scott, Deanna Shapiro detailed what life has been like since the night last spring when she forever lost the use of her arms and legs.

“My life as I knew it ended abruptly and without warning on March 11, 2017,” Shapiro said. “I can no longer do anything for myself. I can no longer hug my children, my husband, family members or good friends.”

Much like they were in court Friday, the Shapiros were seated next to each other in the backseat of the BMW driven by John Cole last March when it crashed on Sitterly Road in Clifton Park. Deanna would remain unconscious in the hospital in the month before waking up and learning she’d be paralyzed for the rest of her life.

Two months ago, jurors found Cole, the 53-year-old owner of Cole’s Collision Centers, guilty of second degree assault, driving while ability impaired by alcohol and reckless driving.

“Our childhood has been ruined because of stupid and senseless acts by John Cole,” said Zachary Cole, the oldest son of Deanna and Scott, during his victim’s impact statement Friday.

After prosecutors joined the Shapiro family in asking for the maximum allowable sentence, Cole spoke briefly, seeking leniency.

“I am deeply sorry and saddened for the pain this has brought so many people,” said Cole, who had six prior felony convictions on his record and served multiple terms in state prison before launching his successful business.

Cole’s words did little to curry any favor with Judge James Murphy, who issued the maximum sentence of seven years in prison.

“It’s stunning,” Murphy told Cole from the bench. “You were impaired by alcohol, you were speeding, you were reckless, you were showing off and you are blaming the Shapiros. You don’t get it.”

After 28 years of friendship, the Shapiros said they remain most disappointed they’ve never received a sincere apology from Cole, who still maintains his innocence and his seeking appeal.

“John and John alone was responsible for what happened that night,” Deanna said. “Since he has refused to hold himself accountable, I am asking the court to do that for him.”

Despite being sentenced to seven years, Cole will not report to prison until after the state’s appellate court rules on his appeal.