NEW BEDFORD - A New Bedford man will serve up to five years in prison for assaulting his family.

Judge Ray Veary this week sentenced 40-year-old Sandy Little to three to five years in state prison, with two years of probation. Little must also complete a batterers program.

Little was convicted of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury and four charges of assault and battery after he became frustrated with his two young sons, which led to him assaulting the two young boys, his teenage son, and his wife in October. One of the boys had to undergo corrective plastic surgery because of his injuries.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said of the case, "Is there any surprise that there is a cycle of violence when children are exposed to this type of abuse? This type of outrageous violence against women and children cannot be tolerated. I will continue to fight to hold these defendants accountable."

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