A Bay of Plenty man found guilty of beating an Opotiki mother to death has been jailed for 17 years.

Robert Hohua was found guilty following a week long trial in Tauranga High Court last month.

The 36-year-old was arrested after he beat Marie Rose Harlick to death at an address in Wellington Street on November 22, 2016.

Marie died following a 20 minute assault in which Hohua punched, kicked and stomped her, with the sounds reverberating through the house and alerting neighbours, who called police.

Hohua originally pleaded not guilty to murder, but admitted killing her.

Hohua appeared in Tauranga High Court today, where Justice Hinton sentenced him to 17 years.

Once he has served the 17 years, Hohua will then be eligible for parole.