A judge has sentenced Matthew Spring to two years less a day in jail for the 2011 death of Bradley Hubbard.

A tense mood in the packed courthouse on Wednesday broke as Spring’s family and friends broke down crying with relief at the sentence.

“Overwhelming pleased, this means that Matthew can stay in the reformatory system at Central North Correctional Centre and does not have to go to a penitentiary,” said Spring’s lawyer Angela McLeod

Spring was convicted of manslaughter in the death of Hubbard. In 2011, Hubbard and Spring were both at a mini putt centre course in Barrie when a fight broke out. During the trial, court heard how Hubbard attacked Spring’s brother and how Spring fought back. During the struggle, Spring stabbed Hubbard with a broken putter and cut his carotid artery. Hubbard bled out and died in minutes.

Hubbard’s mother and partner were also in the courtroom on Wednesday. The crown had been seeking seven years in prison for Spring but the judge took a different view and actually took some time off the sentence.

“He received six months credit for about three and a half years on house arrest. He also received one month credit for the two weeks that he was initially incarcerated after his arrest,” added McLeod.

That leaves 17 months for Spring to serve but he could be released as early as March 2016. The judge also ruled that Spring is not allowed to own firearms or weapons and has to provide a DNA sample.

Spring’s family members said little as they left the courthouse on Wednesday. His brother, long-time girlfriend and his mother left without a word.

Spring is also facing other charges for an alleged breach in his bail conditions and has been in custody since last week. The two new charges are for violating his curfew.

“Those charges will be vehemently denied and litigated,” says McLeod.

Spring’s lawyer says her client intends to appeal his conviction and that process has already started with new lawyers.