WORCESTER, Mass. -- There was an emotional scene Wednesday in a Worcester courtroom as a priest was sentenced for raping two young girls.

Video

Former Priest Sentenced

NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that the Rev. Robert Kelley broke down at the hearing, asking forgiveness from his victims and their families. His victims also got their chance to speak out.

"My child will never know what her mother would have been. I have seen evil. It is you," victim Diane Gallien said.

There were emotional words from Gallien and Heather MacKey, whom Kelley raped when they were young girls in the 1980s. Kelley was a priest at St. Cecilia's Parish in Leominster, Mass., and Sacred Heart in Gardner, Mass., at the time of the assaults.

The 61-year-old former priest admitted his guilt last month and spoke at Wednesday's sentencing hearing.

"I hear your pain. From the bottom of my heart, the best I can offer is I'm sorry. I've been a stumbling block in your happiness and religion. I'm sorry," Kelley said.

Judge John McCann sentenced Kelley to five to seven years in Walpole State Prison. The judge said he wants Kelley behind bars until he's at least 65 and on probation through age 85. But he said he must consider the priest's safety.

"Robert Kelly has expressed concern that incarceration would mean a death sentence. He will be placed in protective custody to maximize his safety," one victim's father, John Mackey, said.

Victims and their families said they were pleased with the sentence and called Kelley's apology sincere. But for them, one aspect of this crime remains unresolved.

"I despise the Worcester Diocese for their lack of compassion, sensitivity, loyalty, honesty, concern and their total indifference to victims," victim Heather MacKey said.

Kelley has already spent nearly seven years in prison for a previous rape charge.