After hearing from Doug and Betsy Manchester, a judge on July 28 imposed a 15-year prison term for a La Jolla man who sold a fentanyl-laced drug to their daughter Sally (above), which killed her in 2020.

La Jolla resident Douglas Manchester, the former publisher of the San Diego Union-Tribune, wept during part of his statement before San Diego Superior Court Judge Rachel Cano about the sentence for Joshua Alan Breslow, 54.

“I give thanks and praise to God for Sally,” said Doug Manchester.

“We are very, very happy that you will not be able to do that (sell drugs) for a very, very long time and hopefully never as you experience the hell that you are experiencing now in jail,” said Manchester to Breslow.

Sally Manchester Ricchiuti, 49, died of a drug overdose after taking a pain pill and Betsy Manchester told the judge her two children found her dead in bed on Sept. 18, 2020.

“You not only took her life. You betrayed her trust,” said Betsy Manchester to Breslow. “May you reflect on what your life could have been.”

“Sally will never be a statistic. An empty chair will be there at family gatherings,” said her mother.

“I forgive you,” said Molly Ricchiuti, the victim’s daughter. “I’m sorry the world chewed you up and spit you out so you had to sell drugs.”

“I’m a nurse. I see pain every day. I see death every day,” said Ricchiuti.

“I hope my mom’s story serves as a stepping stone to change. Let her be part of the change to the world,” said Ricchiuti. “I know my mom is in the courtroom today.”

The victim’s sister-in-law, Nia Ammer, told the judge “her death has ruptured our entire family.”

Breslow apologized to many people in the courtroom audience, calling out their names one by one.

“My remorse is massive. I’m a flawed human,” said Breslow. “Being in jail…I deserve it.”

“I take full responsibility for my actions. I met Sally 40 years ago. I miss her and I’m sorry,” said Breslow. “Opium use is an epidemic. I will make amends.”

“I miss everything about being free,” said Breslow, noting he has been in jail since his arrest two years ago after Ricchiuti’s death.

Breslow’s sister, Jamie Rubin, told him “it breaks my heart to see him in jail clothes behind the glass” module in court.

Doug Gilliland’s attorney said he had no criminal record until this offense.

Deputy District Attorney Joel Madero recommended a 15-year prison term. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, possession of controlled substances including fentanyl, and committing an offense while out on bail.

Cano imposed consecutive terms. He received 11 years for manslaughter, two years for possession charges, and another two years for committing an offense while out on bail.

He received credit for serving 738 days in jail and was fined $5,210. Breslow met Sally Manchester when they both attended La Jolla High School.