SAINT JOHN – A Saint John man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with another man’s death last year, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Fifty-year-old Stephen Wallace Martin learned his fate today at the Sydney Street courthouse.

Martin was originally charged with second-degree murder after the body of 70-year-old Robert Ryan was found in the basement of his home on Mount Pleasant Avenue following a fire last December 20.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter last month.

Court heard Ryan had been assaulted by Martin the day before the fire.