An elderly man found guilty of criminal negligence in the death of his wife, who had been tied up and gagged, has received a two-year sentence to be served in the community.

On Wednesday, a New Brunswick judge sentenced Kenneth Leadlay, 82, who had pleaded guilty on the charge.

Police found the body of his 81-year-old wife, Alice Leadlay, last September in their home in Rothesay, N.B.

The woman, who suffered from dementia, had been tied up and gagged.

As a result of her condition, she roamed the house and often screamed for hours at a time.

It was revealed during the trial that Leadlay had tied her up because he hadn't slept for days and desperately needed some sleep.

Leadlay spoke to the court briefly before his sentencing.

He told the judge he had met his wife when he was 13 and she was 12.

He said she was his sweetheart, his wife and his best friend.

Throughout the case, the court heard evidence that backed up that claim.

Witnesses testified that they considered the Leadlays to be a happy, loving couple.

Judge Henrik Tonning said there was no doubt that Leadlay was negligent and responsible for his wife's death.

He said it was a case of bad judgment from a man who wasn't willing to admit his wife was too big a burden for him.

He acknowledged that the woman's dementia had taken a physical and emotional toll on her husband.

The judge also noted the man's age, his long work record, and a relationship that he said showed no sign of prior abuse.

Tonning said the two-year sentence would be served at the home of Leadlay's son in Bedford, N.S.

At least two members of Leadlay's family were unhappy with that sentence. One estranged son said he wanted an inquest into his mother's death.