Former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky has been sentenced to 30-60 years in prison.

The 68 year old was convicted of 45 counts related to child sex abuse.

He was convicted of abusing 10 boys over 15 years. Some of the victims gave statements in court – including one who accused Sandusky of manipulation.

Sandusky addressed the court.

“He said the need to talk not for arrogance, but for my heart. I’m filled with emotion and determination. I did not do these disgusting acts,” CNN reported.

Sandusky professed his innocence in court after similar remarks aired on college radio Sunday night.

Paul Callan – a defence attorney – tells CNN – releasing the recording kind of backfired.

“I had a feeling probably that his lawyers probably told him not to do it either. The lawyers are going to get slammed on this,” Callan said. “Sandusky might have insisted on leaking this to the college radio station.”

Judge John Cleland called Sandusky dangerous, saying “you abused the trust of those who trusted you.”

Sandusky has maintained his innocence, saying he did not have proper time to prepare for the trial. He plans to appeal.

The Penn State president released a statement which in part said he hopes the sentence will provide comfort to those affected by “these horrible events.”

The sentence means Sandusky will be in prison until he’s at least 98 years old.