GREENFIELD — An Orange man will spend 12 to 14 years in prison after being convicted in Franklin County Superior Court of aggravated rape and abuse of a child.

David Prue, 36, was sentenced by Judge John Agostini on Tuesday morning following a jury trial that ended on April 12. He was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl who was known to him in August 2020.

Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Jimenez said in court that Prue is 28 years older than the victim, who she said “was especially vulnerable due to her young age.” She said the mandatory minimum punishment is 10 years in prison and she asked Agostini for a 12- to 16-year sentence. She mentioned Prue was previously charged with indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, a charge that was reduced to assault and battery as part of a plea deal.

“It’s certainly an alarming pattern of conduct,” Jimenez said.

The victim’s mother read an impact statement and described the ordeal her family has been through, including anxiety attacks and missed school. She said the COVID-19 pandemic and the many continuations the case has seen only added to her family’s stress. She also commended her daughter for displaying such strength.

“I could not be more proud of her for coming forward,” the mother said.

Defense attorney Emily Shallcross, who represented Prue alongside colleague Allison Pash, argued that 10 years in prison would be a sufficient punishment.

“This is his first felony conviction and this will be his first period of incarceration ever in his life,” Shallcross said, noting that the case continuations were not her client’s fault.

Before delivering the sentence, Agostini spoke candidly about the case he presided over and its details.

“This was a despicable act on a young child,” Agostini said. “It certainly cries out for punishment.”

   Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.