Nancy Kerrigan's brother Mark Kerrigan sentenced to 2 years in father's death

WOBURN (CBS/WBZ/AP) - Mark Kerrigan, the brother of Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan, was sentenced to two years on an assault charge Thursday after being acquitted of manslaughter in his father's death.

PICTURES: Nancy Kerrigan family tragedy

A jury found Mark Kerrigan not guilty of manslaughter Wednesday in the 2010 death of his 70-year-old father, Daniel Kerrigan, but convicted him of assault and battery.

Prosecutors asked for the maximum of 2 1/2 years in a county jail on the misdemeanor charge, according to CBS station WBZ.

In a brief statement before sentencing, Mark Kerrigan told the court, "I love my father. I miss him very much."

"I'd like the opportunity to return home so I can be there to help my mother."

Nancy Kerrigan and their mother, Brenda Kerrigan, also made statements during the sentencing hearing.

The Kerrigan family has supported Mark Kerrigan since the incident and never believed he was responsible for his father's death.

Nancy Kerrigan broke down in tears during her statement Thursday, saying "any sentence would extend the situation."

"Please send him home with us so he can rejoin our family."

Brenda Kerrigan's sister read her statement for her sister before the judge.

"I never wanted this trial," Brenda's statement read, "but the Commonwealth insisted. Even after the verdict they're still taking shots at my family."

Mark Kerrigan's attorney said Brenda was unable to read her statement because she was still upset with District Attorney Gerry Leone's comments after Wednesday's verdict.

"This verdict speaks to the actions of an angry, belligerent, highly intoxicated 45-year-old who cared more about his selfish desires than his 70-year-old father," Leone said Wednesday.

"We have been dragged through a very public trial," Brenda's statement read. "We have suffered enough."

"Any sentence for Mark will only cause an un-needed delay for us all. I need Mark back home with me and I would like that to start today."

Complete Coverage of Mark Kerrigan on Crimesider