A former University of Virginia lacrosse player will spend the next 23 years in prison.
Thursday George Huguely was sentenced in Charlottesville.
He was convicted earlier this year in the beating death of his ex-girlfriend Yeardley Love in 2010.
This case drew national attention.
During the hearing Huguely told the victim's mother and sister that he was sorry for their loss.
The jury recommended a sentence of 26 years.
Instead the judge decided to give Huguely 23 years in prison and three years probation.
Huguely's attorney plan to appeal.
Yeardley Love's family released a statement after the hearing: "We find no joy in others' sorrow... We are relieved to put this chapter behind us."
Police say Huguely admitted he attacked Love on May 3, 2010 in her bedroom.
He says he didn't mean to kill her.
She died from blunt force trauma to the head.
