Edward Kelty, the man accused of running over a police officer in 2015, was sentenced Thursday to 18 years in prison and 12 years probation.  

The judge said in court that a life-long sentence didn't feel right  

Officer William Anderson and his wife were both in court Thursday.

Officer Anderson is an eight-year veteran of the Orlando Police Department, who was responding to a shots fired call when he began to approach a vehicle matching the description of the one involved.

Behind the wheel was then 17-year-old Kelty, who hit the gas pedal when Officer Anderson approached the car with his gun drawn.

According to Kelty in court, he thought Anderson was trying to shoot him.

"... I was scared," Kelty said, who is now 20 years old.

His attorney argued everything happened in a matter of seconds -- seconds that cost Kelty his freedom and Officer Anderson his way of life. 

"I am unable to play with my daughter or new born son as most parents are able to do," Anderson said.

Since being hit, Officer Anderson had to retire from the police force because of his injuries. He now has chronic pain, PTSD, depression, anxiety and relies on his service dog.

"The injuries I have sustained are lifelong injuries and have sentenced my family to a lifetime of pain and suffering," Anderson said.  

Anderson and his wife say this is the final chapter of a fight they have fought since the moment he was hit by Kelty.

For the pain caused by this crash, Kelty took the time in court to apologize for his actions.

"Both our families have suffered. I can't change what happened, but I don't want this to change my future," he said. "I understand your anguish and difficulty in accepting my forgiveness."  

Kelty pled no contest to aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer in September.