Picayune native Anthony Catalano will spend ten years in jail for a 2008 DUI accident that crippled a Waveland woman, severely injured her mother and almost killed a young girl.

According to a story in the Sea Coast Echo, 33 year-old Catalano appeared before Hancock County Circuit Court on Tuesday to enter a guilty plea before Judge John Gargiulo. After entering his guilty plea to the two counts of felony DUI that caused disfigurement, Catalano issued an apology to those he hurt in the accident.

“Ma’am, I’m really sorry,” Catalano was quoted as saying in the Echo. “I never meant to hurt anyone. If I could take it back, I would.”

Facts in the case state that on Nov. 13, 2008 Catalano was north bound on Mississippi Highway 603 when he crossed the center line and hit the victim’s car head on. Injured in the crash was the driver of the second vehicle, Kiln resident Sandra Ladner, her daughter Laura Perniciaro and Perniciaro’s daughter Molly, the story states.

Ladner suffered serious injuries while Perniciaro suffered two pelvis fractures, a broken leg and punctured liver. Molly Perniciaro also suffered injuries in the accident and had to be revived on scene, later receiving 350 staples to her head, the story states. While Molly Perniciaro and Ladner have made full recoveries, Laura Perniciaro is now bound to a wheelchair.

Catalano’s blood alcohol level was reported to be .08 percent, which is above the legal limit.

Catalano’s guilty plea earned him 20 years in prison with 10 suspended and 10 left to serve, the story states. When released, Catalano will serve five years of probation, but will not be eligible for parole until 2017.

Numerous attempts by the Item to contact Assistant District Attorney Crosby Parker for comment were unsuccessful.