The young St. Paul woman texts her mom at least four times a day now to let her know she’s safe.

She sends one when she leaves for work in the morning and a second when she arrives at her office. The third goes out when she heads home for the day and a fourth when she actually gets there.

Even home though, doesn’t exactly feel safe anymore, according to statements the young woman’s mother made in Ramsey County District Court Monday afternoon.

The woman’s mother spoke on her daughter’s behalf during the sentencing hearing for George Edward Lowe. The 46-year-old broke into the victim’s Lowertown apartment in Galtier Towers around 7:30 a.m. in late October of 2016 and held her against her will until police arrived, court records say.

Lowe was convicted of first-degree burglary and kidnapping in November after pleading guilty to the charges.

On Monday, Ramsey County District Court Judge Nicole Starr sentenced Lowe to four years in prison on one count of first-degree burglary.

He was also given a stayed 21-month sentence for his kidnapping conviction, meaning he will only serve that additional time should he not abide by the terms of his 20-year-probation.

The 24-year-old woman grew up on a farm in Iowa and moved to the Twin Cities after completing college. She was confident and motivated, her mother said.

Both of those qualities were stolen from her during the home invasion, her mother told the court.

“How do you get that back? No fear,” her mother asked the judge. “I wish all the time I could have traded places with her … Her life was just beginning. She didn’t deserve this.”

The woman also read a letter that her daughter wrote.

In it, the young woman describes waking up every morning panicked that someone is once again in her home. She startles easily and has had to miss work due to her ongoing trauma.

“The thought of him … carving his way into my apartment makes me sick,” the letter said. “I was held against my own will in my own apartment … I have never been so scared in my life.”

The letter went on to say that she has refused to give into her fear and move back to Iowa, where life would feel more comfortable, familiar and easy.

“I am (staying here) and standing on my own two feet,” she wrote.

When the young woman exited her bedroom that day more than a year ago, she found Lowe sitting on her couch drinking a beer and rummaging through her roommate’s purse.

When she tried to escape, Lowe grabbed her by the neck, dragged her back inside, took her phone and said he wanted her “money and gems.” He then forced her to sit next to him on the couch while he finished his beer.

The victim had called police while still inside her bedroom after hearing what sounded like someone forcing entry into her home.

Officers arrived to find her hyperventilating with Lowe nearby.

Lowe later told police he “probably would have made love” with the woman, but law enforcement entered the apartment before he had the chance, court documents say. Related Articles Oakdale man sentenced to 30 years for death of West St. Paul father shot as 2-year-old son slept beside him

Therapy dog-in training stolen in St. Paul found, reunited with owners

Psychological exam ordered for Pakistani doctor/ex-Mayo researcher in terrorism case

Wisconsin man notches 19th DWI while driving wrong way on I-35, Minnesota State Patrol says

St. Paul man threatened another man with a sword, charges say

Lowe listened quietly during Monday’s proceedings. Since his arrest in the case, he has been committed indefinitely to the state security hospital in St. Paul due to court findings that he is mentally ill and dangerous.

He told the woman’s family and Starr that he was sorry for his actions when it was his turn to speak.

“What I did was wrong and I have remorse for the family and I should be punished for the crime I committed,” he said.

Lowe will serve the prison time after he is released from his civil commitment.