The mother of twin girls who survived a plunge in a truck off Sunset Cliffs in 2020 can smile now that her ex-husband was sentenced Sept. 20 to 31 years in prison and her daughters are fine.

“I’m a little shaken, but I’m at peace for once and I can finally move on,” said Jenna Brians, after her husband, Robert Brians, was sentenced for two counts of attempted murder of their two twin daughters, who were 2 years old at the time.

“Knowing this day was coming has haunted us for four years. It’s a roller coaster ride. It’s been up and down,” said Jenna Brians to reporters. “It’s nice to find closure today. Not for just myself, but for my daughters most of all.”

“There is a purpose for them here, an amazing purpose,” said Jenna Brians, smiling. “I’m so thankful I get to be their mom! I get to be a part of that.”

San Diego Superior Court Judge Joan Weber imposed consecutive terms for Robert Brians, now 51, to equal 31 years. He will not be eligible for parole until his 70s.

Robert Brians also pleaded guilty to two counts of kidnapping, two counts of child abuse, burglary when he broke into the house to take the toddlers, and a prior domestic violence incident with Jenna Brians.

Robert Brians made a short apology to Weber, saying “I love my babies and I’m sorry,” and he specifically thanked San Diego Police Officer Jonathan Wiese for rescuing his twin daughters.

Wiese testified earlier that he saw Brians’ crumpled truck on a rock that had water coming inside it and he got a 100-foot dog leash and propelled himself down. He saw Brians standing on the rock with his two girls.

Wiese was honored by the City of San Diego when the City Council declared Jonathan Wiese Day in 2020 following the June 13, 2020, incident which occurred at 4:30 a.m. The truck’s airbags deflated, but if it had not landed on the rock that was just slightly underwater, they might have all been killed or drowned.

“I watched the videos. I was amazed these girls survived this incident,” said the judge.

After Wiese called in the location of the truck, Weber saluted “the extraordinary activities” by first responders that included lifeguards, firefighters, and police officers to the scene.

Addressing Robert Brians, Weber said, “The true miracle is that you are not before me for two counts of premeditated murder.”

Said Jenna Brians to Weber: “I am thankful that Robert has taken responsibility and is ready to begin his sentence. My daughters and I have accepted the idea of forgiving. In the end, I am grateful for the victory of life.”

Weber asked how the girls, now 6 years old, are doing now.

“They are thriving. They are happy and healthy,” said Jenna Brians.

“These girls will need time to heal. I will be signing the 10-year protective order,” said Weber.

The order will prevent her ex-husband from contacting the girls in writing or by phone.

Just minutes before he drove off the cliff, Robert Brians wrote on Facebook that he was “sending my babies to heaven” and added a greeting to his ex-wife to “see you in hell.” He specifically called his ex-wife to say he would drive them off a cliff.

“Using your children to get back at your spouse is evil,” said Deputy District Attorney Franciesca Balerio. “It has been a long four years.”

Weber gave Brians credit for already serving 1,567 days in jail since his arrest and he was fined $10,000.

“Attempting to kill your innocent children to hurt your spouse is beyond despicable,” said District Attorney Summer Stephan.

Stephan said if people know of someone being abused, they should call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.