Inside The Courtroom: Daniel Holtzclaw Sentenced To 263 Years

Former Oklahoma City Police Officer, Daniel Holtzclaw, will now spend the next 263 years in prison. He sexually victimized women while on patrol but his attorney plans to appeal the sentence.

Prosecutors believed he needs to serve all 263 years recommended to be held accountable for his abuse of power.

“Mr. Holtzclaw fooled those who he lived with, fooled his family and his days of fooling people are over,” said Gayland Gieger, lead prosecutor.

Months of investigation into Daniel Holtzclaw culminated Thursday afternoon as Judge Henderson sentenced him to a life behind bars. Crowds of supporters for the victims filled the courthouse rejoicing the length of Holtzclaw's punishment.

“I still believe in Daniel’s innocence,” said Scott Adams, Holtzclaw’s defense attorney.

1/21/16 Related Story: Attorneys Respond After Daniel Holtzclaw's Sentencing

For Holtzclaw's legal team they say Thursday is just the beginning of a long and fierce fight.

“He will spend the rest of his life in the penitentiary. What I was suggesting to the court would be for the court to show him some mercy and some leniency,” said Adams.

Adams plans to appeal. Adams, like his client, has not lost hope in the battle for Hotlzclaw's innocence.

But prosecutors and victims believe justice was served.

“I appreciate the fact that the judge looked that the public safety aspect of this and told the victims in this case and other women in this community that this defendant will never be out there to victimize them again,” said David Prater, Oklahoma County District Attorney.

Adams says he prepared Holtzclaw for the judge's consecutive sentence ruling.

Unlike the day of the verdict, Holtzclaw showed little emotion during his sentencing.

“I think the court of criminal appeals when the get the full record and they can see everything that happened hopefully he'll get some relief or get the relief that he deserves,” said Adams.

Before sentencing began Thursday, the judge heard testimony on the request for a new trial. But that request was denied.