Hammer murderer sentenced to 9 years' jail

A Sydney man who bashed a community worker to death with a hammer has been sentenced to nine years' jail.

Seventy-three-year-old Lindsay Martin died in November 2005 from head injuries he suffered in the attack at his Gymea unit in Sydney's south.

The attack ended with his unit being set on fire.

Beau Steven Mitchell, 24, said Mr Martin tried to sexually assault him after they went to the unit and drank alcohol.

Mitchell has been given a prison sentence of nine years for arson and manslaughter charges.

In handing down the sentence, Justice Roderick Howie acknowledged Mitchell had emotional problems, a problem with alcohol and a poor employment record.

He said although Mitchell was remorseful about what he had done, he had unlawfully taken the life of another member of the community.