David R. Ratcliff, 62, of Troy was sentenced Monday to five years in prison for sexual contact with a three year old.

Judge Jeannine Pratt sentenced Ratcliff in Miami County Common Pleas Court on a felony charge of gross sexual imposition.

He initially was charged with three felony counts of rape allegedly involving three children between April 1 and Aug. 30, 2015.

In February, two rape counts were dismissed and the third was amended to felony gross sexual imposition. Ratcliff pleaded no contest and was found guilty.

He declined comment during the sentencing hearing.

Defense lawyer Steve Layman asked the judge to consider Ratcliff’s decision to plead instead of taking the case and the victims to a trial.

Paul Watkins, assistant county prosecutor, said Ratcliff “preyed” on a child.

He asked for the maximum sentence after pointing out that Ratcliff had a conviction in North Carolina in 1992 for a child sex offense. “He has been here before, and didn’t learn,” Watkins said.

The child’s mother said the girl has bad dreams. “I hope you ensure that he can’t do this to any other,” she said.

Pratt said the child suffered serious physical and psychological harm because of Ratcliff.

“This court finds your conduct reprehensible,” she said.

The five years is the maximum sentence allowed for the offense. Ratcliff was given credit for 196 days served in the county jail and was ordered to pay court costs.

He was classified as a Tier II sex offender, requiring him to, after release from prison, register his address with the sheriff’s office where he lives every 180 days for 25 years.