NORWICH – A man who threw himself at the mercy of the court instead of testifying against his co-defendants appeared in Chenango County Court Friday to be sentenced.

Anthony J. Pierce, 17, had pleaded guilty to the top charge against him, third-degree burglary, without reaching any agreement with the prosecution. Pierce was facing up to 7 years in state prison last Friday, but was sentenced to 1 to 3 by County Court Judge W. Howard Sullivan. It was also requested by both the defense and prosecution that Pierce be enrolled into Shock, a bootcamp-like, prison program. The court then recommend the program. The defense reserved its right to appeal.

“I’m sorry. I’m not proud of myself,” Pierce said before receiving his sentence.

Before, sentencing Defense Attorney Scott Clippinger said, “If only he had confirmed the police officer’s remarks, then he would have walked. He will not perjure himself. It should also be pointed out that neither my client nor I, have had the chance to confront the officer here in court.”