PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A 31-year-old was sentenced Friday after pleading guilty to a series of rapes and robberies in Southwest Philadelphia about a year ago.
Michael Henry admitted to raping three women, who range in age from 18 to 35, at gunpoint in October 2023.
In court Friday, Henry apologized to his grandparents, children and victims. His grandmother told the court he was a good guy, loved pets, came from a broken home and suffered from drug addiction.
One of the victims bravely took the stand and told the court Henry took away her freedom and trust in others. She said she had frequent nightmares and had to move in with her parents out of fear shortly after the attack. She said she still has nightmares.
Judge Zachary Shaffer thanked the woman for her statement, called her brave and wished her well.
Shaffer handed down a sentence of 23 to 46 years. Henry's lawyers were asking for a 6-to 12-year sentence. Prosecutors were asking for 30 to 60 years.
Shaffer asked Henry if he understood the sentence. Henry had nothing to say.
Henry pleaded guilty to multiple counts of armed robbery, rape and related offenses in September.