AUGUSTA (AP) – The state wants an Augusta man who has pleaded guilty to killing his 72-year-old neighbor to go to prison for 40 years.

Raymond Leslie Clark, who is 36, is to be sentenced Wednesday in Kennebec County Superior Court. Clark last month pleaded guilty to murder in the beating and strangulation death of Audrey Lou Benn, a downstairs neighbor in an Augusta apartment building.

Benn was killed on Feb. 22, 2008. Clark told police she had confronted him about being listed on the sex offender registry.

Assistant Attorney General Leane Zainea calls the crime “an extremely vicious attack” against a woman who couldn’t protect herself. Prosecutors and Clark’s defense attorney agree to capping Clark’s prison time at 40 years.