A Kenyan-born man has been handed a five- to seven-year prison term after he was convicted of killing Massachusetts policeman Thomas Clardy in March 2016.

Clardy was 44 years old and an 11-year veteran of the state police. He was married and the father of seven children

According to report, David Njuguna, 33, was sentenced after “an emotional” series of impact statements from Clardy’s wife, children, sister and mother.

The state trooper’s wife, Reisa Clardy, termed her husband’s death as “truly overwhelming” for the family.

“Because of a selfish and senseless act, his life was cut short,” Ms Clardy said of her husband, adding: “Our stability, our normalcy, our peace of mind, our strength is no longer here.”

The webster resident was found guilty on Nov 12 in Worcester superior court of involuntary manslaughter, misdemeanour motor vehicle homicide, and operating to endanger in the crash that killed Clardy.

It was gathered that Njaguna’s car slammed into the back of Clardy’s cruiser, which was parked during a traffic stop on the Massachusetts in Turnpike in Charlton.

Prosecutors said Njaguna was speeding and high on marijuana at the time of the crash.

It was reported that prosecutors sought 10-12-year sentence for involuntary manslaught saying it reflects on “high degree of recklessness” but Judge Janet Kenton-Walker opted to sentence him to 5-7 years instead.

In her sentencing, the Judge told Clardy’s family: “I cannot bring you comfort; I cannot bring you peace, I cannot take the day away, I cannot make it right.”