ERIE, Pa. (AP) — Tom Ridge, former U.S. Homeland Security secretary and a former Pennsylvania governor, wrote a letter requesting leniency for an Erie, Pa., man who assaulted his ex-girlfriend's daughter.

Despite the letter, 21-year-old Matthew Lazenby was sentenced Tuesday to four to eight years in state prison. His attorney had sought a three-year sentence.

Lazenby, who acknowledged problems with alcohol and anger management, lives with his parents in Millcreek Township.

Ridge is their neighbor. He called the assault "reprehensible" and "a horrible deviation" from Lazenby's typical behavior, but wrote that Lazenby is sincerely remorseful.

Lazenby had pleaded guilty to shaking and striking the 23-month-old girl, fracturing her skull and causing neurological damage.