A federal appeals court has upheld a five-year prison sentence given to a former Washingtonville high school student who planned a Columbine-style shooting.

Brendan Vaughan, 21, was sentenced last year nearly three years after he was charged as a senior.

He pleaded guilty to making threats of deadly violence.

Vaughan challenged his sentence, calling it unreasonable because it failed to account for his immediate need for mental health treatment and years of bullying.

The court noted that the sentencing judge concluded the sentence was warranted in view of the seriousness of Vaughan's conduct.