SPRINGFIELD (AP) __ A former prison guard at the Western Illinois Correctional Facility in Mount Sterling will serve 20 years in prison for his role in the beating death of 65-year-old inmate in May of 2018.

31-year-old Alex Banta, of Quincy, was sentenced Thursday. He was convicted in April 2022 for participating in the beating that fatally injured inmate Larry Earvin. Earvin died of his injuries in June of 2018.

In a letter to the court during the 4-week trial, Banta took responsibility for his actions, but claimed that there was culture among prison staff and officials that said violence against inmates was expected. Judge Sue Myerscough said there was no excuse for his behavior.

Co-defendants Todd Sheffler and Willie Hedden are scheduled for sentencing next week.