The man convicted of holding three women captive in a house he turned into a prison for a decade, and treating them in a manner too horrific to publish on YWN,  was sentenced Thursday to life without parole plus 1,000 years.

Ariel Castro, 53, apologized to his victims in a rambling, defiant statement before he was sentenced. He blamed an addiction, his former wife and even the FBI for not thoroughly investigating the abductions while claiming that the women were never tortured.

“These people are trying to paint me as a monster,” he said. “I’m not a monster. I’m sick.”

Just before the sentencing, one of three women he kidnapped stood within feet of Castro and told him his life was over.

“You took 11 years of my life away and I have got it back,” said Michelle Knight. “I spent 11 years in hell. Now your hell is just beginning.”

Knight, 32, was the first woman Castro abducted in 2002 after he lured her into his house with the promise of a puppy for her son. Relatives of the other two victims spoke on their behalf.

Judge Michael Russo dismissed Castro’s claims that the women lived a happy life with him.

“I’m not sure there’s anyone in America that would agree with you,” he said.

Castro pleaded guilty last week to 937 counts. A deal struck with prosecutors Friday spared him from a possible death sentence.

The judge told Castro that there was no place in the world for people who enslave others. “These women never gave up hope,” Russo said. “In fact, they prevailed.”

As Castro was led away, Knight watched, smiling.

(AP)