A wheelchair-bound man was sentenced to five years probation for the death of a man he beat up during a bear hunting outing four years ago.

Stephen Shesko, 64, avoided a prison sentence Wednesday after an Indiana County judge found health problems make Shesko unfit for incarceration.

Shesko pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the November 2008 death of Eric Melius.

Authorities said Shesko attacked Melius after the man had taunted an Amish boy who was part of Shesko's bear hunting party.

Melius died about 36 hours after the attack after leaving a hospital against a doctor's orders.

Indiana Judge William Martin said Shesko could have walked away from the confrontation but continued to assault Melius after he fell to the ground.

Shesko's attorney said he deeply regrets his actions.