The Denpasar District Court has sentenced I Nyoman "Rencana" Wiradnyana to 20 years in prison for his role in the murder of Radar Bali editor Anak Agung Bagus Narendra Prabangsa.
The final sentence handed down to Rencana, one of nine men charged in the case, was lighter than the death sentence sought by prosecutors.
The panel of judges at Tuesday's sentencing said Rencana had been found guilty of violating Article 340 of the Criminal Code on murder. "The defendant is proven legally and convincingly to have committed the crime that claimed a person's life," said presiding judge Djumain.
The judges noted the strong evidence pointing to the defendant's involvement in planning and carrying out the murder, and rejected the defendant's alibi that he was at home on the day Prabangsa was killed.
On Feb. 6 last year, Rencana met with the key defendant, Nyoman Susrama - sentenced to life on Monday in the same case - at the latter's home to plan the murder.
Three days later, Rencana, along with fellow defendants I Komang Gede "Mangde" Wardana and Dewa "Sumbawa" Gede Mulya Antara, picked up Prabangsa at the Bali Park in Bangli and brought him to Susrama's home.
Prabangsa was then beaten to death, and his body dumped into the sea off Klungkung.
Following the sentencing, defense lawyer Sugeng Teguh Santosa said Rencana would appeal.
In separate trials Tuesday, the court also convicted Mangde, Sumbawa and another defendant, I Wayan "Maong" Suecita.
Judge Daniel Palitin sentenced Mangde to 20 years in prison, less than the life sentence sought by prosecutors.
The defendant was "proven guilty of plotting the murder, abducting the victim and bringing him to the crime scene", as well as participating in his assault and the disposal of the body.
Meanwhile, Sumbawa and Maong were each given eight-year sentences, again lighter than the 10 years sought by prosecutors.
Sumbawa and Maong were both deemed to have taken part in attacking Prabangsa and disposing of his body.
Both said they would consider appealing.
Two other defendants, Komang Gde and Ida Bagus "Gus Oblong" Adnyana Narbawa, were earlier sentenced to 20 years and five years respectively.
