NORWICH – An ex-convict that recently testified in exchange for a plea deal at the Ernest Franklin murder trial appeared in court on Monday, avoided a possible life sentence, and was instead sentenced to two years in prison.

Joshua A. Shurock, 30, of Norwich pleaded guilty to seventh-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third-degree assault.

According to police, around 3:30 p.m. on August 24, 2017, Shurock was allegedly in possession of five individually packaged envelopes of heroin with the intent to sell. Police said he was arrested following a foot chase with a Norwich Police detective, and later charged with assaulting the officer.

Prosecutors said if convicted on the original charges, Shurock could have faced life in prison as punishment due to his prior felonies.

According to Chenango County Court Judge Frank Revoir, Jr., as part of the plea deal, Shurock was required to testify against murder trial defendant Ernest Franklin, and in return his charges would be reduced to misdemeanors. Revoir said Shurock would serve two years in prison as part of the deal.

"It was agreed that sentencing would be adjourned, and that he would testify truthfully in an unrelated trial," said Revoir. "The two charges would then be reduced to misdemeanor charges."

He said Shurock would receive one year for each charge, to be served consecutively. He added that Shurock was released on December 24, 2018.