A 45-year-old Oshawa man who admitted to building a homemade prison in order to lock up his ex-wife’s best friend, was sentenced in court today.

Robert White was sentenced Thursday to two years in jail less the eight months he spent in pre-trial custody.

White pleaded guilty last month to breaking and entering with intent. At one point he was facing an attempted kidnapping charge but that was later dropped.

The dungeon-style confinement room was first discovered in November, 2011 by contractors who were hired to tear down an abandoned farmhouse on Concession Road 7 in northwest Pickering to make room for a new regional airport. 

The room, located in the basement of the farmhouse, was constructed in a way that would prevent anyone trapped in the room from getting out. It had chains hanging from the ceiling and was heavily fortified.

See photos of the confinement room here

At first investigators thought it could have been built as part of a film production but police later said the room was “solely designed to hold someone captive.”

Two weeks after the room was discovered, the farmhouse burned down in what police have described as a suspicious fire.

No charges have ever been laid in connection to the fire.

At the time of his arrest earlier this year, White told police he had no intention of hurting or killing anyone and that he had been the only person to enter the room.

However, court heard he planned on kidnapping a woman named Gwen Armstrong – a friend of his ex-wife – because she provided her with emotional and financial support after their separation.

White believed the close friendship between the two women ultimately caused their divorce.

In court last month, White said through tears that he was not proud of what he had done, and that he he had done it for his children.

Both Armstrong and White’s ex-wife Patricia Gallagher also spoke in court last month, reading out a victim impact statement.

“When I close my eyes at night, (the images) keep me awake. They fill me with such horror that I feel physically ill,” said a visibly shaken Armstrong.

“Everyday I live in fear. I am filled with remorse and guilt for turning to my friends in my time of need,” Gallagher said, also through tears.

@SandieBenitah is on Twitter. For instant breaking news, follow @CP24 on Twitter.