Amanda Watkins sentenced to 10 years for sodomy and rape

COLBERT COUNTY, AL (WAFF) - Former Sheffield teacher Amanda Watkins was sentenced to ten years for the rape and sodomy of a former student.

The judge sentenced Amanda Watkins to two 20 year terms, split to five years each consecutively,  which means she will spend the next 10 years behind bars.

Police took Watkins right into custody. She will eventually be taken to Tutwiler, which is the state's all female prison.

Several witnesses took the stand asking the judge for leniency so that Watkins can continue her treatment for mental illness.

Amanda's psychiatrist is one of those witnesses. She said Watkins has made significant improvements since her conviction, but her main concern was regression if she goes to prison.

In November, a jury convicted Watkins of rape and sodomy for having sex with a former student.

Watkins' doctors say she suffers from a list of mental illnesses including depression, dissociative disorder, and PTSD.

The judge heard about an hour's worth of testimony. He then sentenced Watkins for her rape and sodomy conviction.

District Attorney Bryce Graham is pleased with the judge's decision and said Watkins will be able to seek treatment while she's in prison.

"I know she put a lot of time and effort into making this decision and I know whatever her decision is the right decision. I'm certainly not going to second guess anything the judge says," Graham said.

Defense Attorney Ralph Holt did not wish to comment on camera.As for a decision to appeal the case, Holt said he'll have to talk it over with Amanda's family.

Watkins took the stand for the first time Thursday afternoon.

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