A north Suffolk man convicted of fondling a teenage girl will spend three years – six times the maximum recommended sentence – in prison.

Suffolk Circuit Court Judge Westbrook Parker on Monday sentenced Edward Havens Jr., 42, of 3800 Pughsville Road to 10 years for aggravated sexual battery with a juvenile and five years each for indecent liberties and carnal knowledge. All but three years was suspended.

The state’s recommended sentencing guideline calls for three to six months for the charges, said Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Marie Walls.

Havens, who said he was abused as a child, apologized to his wife, family and friends before Parker sentenced him. But he failed to apologize to his victim, Parker noted.

&uot;I was broken as a child and never repaired,&uot; said Havens. &uot;I know that with the love of Jesus Christ we can all be healed.&uot;

Havens was arrested in February after he partially admitted to sexually abusing the 14-year-old to the girl’s mother during a telephone sting organized by police, said Walls. In interviews with police, he denied inappropriately touching the girl.

Havens’ wife, Melinda, asked the court for leniency, saying that she has visited her husband in jail and intends to maintain their relationship after his incarceration.

Walls asked for the maximum sentence, saying that Havens’ victim could suffer from the abuse for years.

&uot;The molestation of a child carries far reaching effects,&uot; Walls said. For example, she said, the girl’s grades have suffered and she has told a counselor that she is now &uot;skittish&uot; around older men.

Parker ordered Havens not to have any contact with the juvenile and to pay for any counseling she may need. He ordered that Havens remain on supervised probation for 35 years after his release from prison.