NORTHAMPTON - A 20-year period of obeying the law and the support of family and friends may have spared a Belchertown man a harsher sentence for his fifth drunken-driving conviction.

Brian J. Walsh, 48, of 264 Hamilton St., was sentenced Thursday by Judge Mary-Lou Rup to 2½ years in the Hampshire Jail and House of Correction. He will serve one year of that sentence, and the balance will be suspended during a five-year term of probation.

Rup said during Walsh's sentencing that what struck her was the number of letters of support she received on Walsh's behalf, all echoing the sentiment that he was a good and responsible father, friend and co-worker. "That speaks volumes to me," Rup said.

Rup said it was only because there was a 20-year gap between his fourth and fifth drunken-driving convictions that she didn't impose stiffer penalties. "I'm giving you a break," she said.

Walsh was convicted on drunken driving charges in 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1991. He was arrested in Granby Nov. 10, 2010, after he was spotted swerving into oncoming traffic on Route 202, according to police.

He was found guilty Jan. 20 by a jury that rejected a defense claim that Walsh was suffering the effects of carbon monoxide that entered his pickup through rust patches.

Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Scott Rathbun said Walsh's truck had passed its most recent state emissions test, so the fumes were not a factor.

While on probation, Walsh must avoid alcohol and drugs and submit to random screenings, use a Sobrietor, a device that measures blood alcohol content, participate in treatment and must not drive.

Defense attorney John P. McKenna said his client was a good candidate for rehabilitation and expected positive results.

"There's no reason why Brian Walsh can't be out of trouble for the rest of his life," McKenna said.