Father jailed for 'rink rage' killing

Junta had faced up to 20 years in jail

An American man who beat another father to death in front of their children at a youth ice hockey practice has been sentenced to six to 10 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter.

Thomas Junta - a heavily-built truck driver - wept and put his head in his hands when he heard the sentence.

He had faced a maximum 20-year sentence but had asked to be put on supervised probation with community service. His attorney said he would appeal.

Quinlan Junta said he had begged his father to stop

A jury in Massachusetts convicted Junta on 11 January of involuntary manslaughter over the death of Michael Costin, 40, after they brawled at a Boston ice rink in July 2000.

The case - dubbed the "rink rage trial" - has been carried live on American television and has generated fierce debate about violence between parents at their children's highly competitive sporting events.

The fight started after Junta, 44, objected to rough play during the game in July 2000.

Costin was supervising his three sons, Junta's son and several other boys on the ice during the practice session.

Junta, who at 124 kilograms (275lbs) was 45 kilograms (100lbs) heavier than his victim, had claimed he acted in self defence.

Sentence 'lenient'

The BBC's Jane Standley said Judge Charles Grabau was clearly disturbed by the severity of Junta's attack - and by the fact that it had taken place in front of both men's children.

According to witnesses, Junta repeatedly beat Costin despite shouts and screams for him to stop.

Junta said that he had acted in self defence

Junta's 12-year-old son, Quinlan, testified on behalf of his father during the trial - backing up his claims that he only threw three punches.

Junta sat handcuffed, with his head hung low as Costin's sons, sister and mother spoke in the court.

"Please punish Thomas Junta and do not allow him to soon get out of prison and ruin another family's life," said Costin's middle son, Michael.

"No matter how much of a sentence that you give to Thomas Junta, my dad got more."

Prosecutors described Junta as a bully, while his supporters said he was a devoted husband and father who fell victim to "a very bad set of circumstances".

The jury found that Junta did not intend to kill Costin but went too far during the fight.

Before being led away, Junta raised his shackled hands to blow a kiss and wave to his family seated behind him.