NORWICH – Daniel L. Brown Sr. was sentenced to life in prison Friday afternoon for no less than 20 years with the judge recommending he spend the rest of his natural life incarcerated.

Acting Chenango County Court Judge Martin E. Smith listened to family members of the murder victim, Tammy L. Periard, 45, read two written statements in court followed by an emotional summation of the crime by District Attorney Joseph McBride.

“There is no doubt that some people think that the justice you are about to receive is not justice at all, and that you should give your life,” said Smith.

Smith said in his 38 years in the system, he knows that justice is not always guaranteed. By accepting the plea, with the family’s consent, it guaranteed them at least some degree of justice and avoid additional “public anguish,” he said.

The two sisters of the victim who spoke to the court refused to forgive the defendant and hoped he would suffer the same pain he had inflicted upon the family.

Brown pleaded guilty to second degree murder Nov. 5 for the rape and murder that took place March 26 in his Henry Street apartment. Periard was Brown’s landlord at the time.