KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) -- The man convicted of poisoning and suffocating his wife in Kenosha County has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Judge Bruce Schroeder told Mark Jensen the "wickedness and cruelty" of Julie Jensen's murder speak to the content of his character and that he needed to be removed from society.

The 48-year-old Jensen was found guilty last week in the 1998 death of his wife.

His conviction carried a mandatory life sentence but allowed the judge to decide whether he would be eligible for parole.

Before the sentence was handed down, Julie's four brothers told the judge about their sister's life and encouraged him to impose the maximum sentence.

Jensen's attorney read a letter from the Jensens' two sons. In it, they described their father as the epitome of loyalty, someone who cared deeply for his family.

The case had been repeatedly delayed since Julie Jensen's death because of arguments over evidence, including a letter she left behind pointing the finger at her husband if she were to die.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)