Man gets 8 years in prison for Conn. home invasion

WATERBURY, Conn. (AP) — A man who frightened a baby sitter and several children during a home invasion in Waterbury and later choked a police dog has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

A state judge in Waterbury sentenced 26-year-old Brandon Newman of Prospect on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to burglary and risk of injury to a minor last year.

The Republican-American reports Newman apologized Wednesday and said he didn't mean any harm.

Police say Newman was high on PCP when he barged into the apartment in February 2012, mistakenly believing it was his cousin's home. Officers say he chased several children before the baby sitter was able to flee with the youngsters.

Authorities say Newman later choked a police dog and threw it against a wall during a struggle with officers.