A man who tried to kill his 12-year-old stepdaughter has received a 18-year prison sentence for attempted murder.

In addition, the man, 37, has been declared a long-term offender, and as a result will be closely supervised for 10 years after his release from prison. He had 4½ years deducted for time spent in custody before sentencing, resulting in a net sentence of 13½ years.

Queen's Bench Justice Paul Hrabinsky handed down the sentence in a Saskatoon courtroom Friday morning.

Court had heard that in 2005, the man broke into his ex-wife's house on the city's west side at night, while she was at work. There were children at home, including the 12-year-old.

The man ripped the phone cords out of the wall and then stabbed his stepdaughter.

The knife barely missed the girl's heart and she required major surgery.

The man's name can't be published because it might help identify the victim.

Outside court, Crown prosecutor Robin Ritter said he was satisfied with the sentence.

"Certainly, society will have some serious protection from him for the next 23½ years because he's obviously a very dangerous person," Ritter said.

A defence lawyer indicated the sentence may be appealed.