AUGUSTA — A 28-year-old transient who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the stabbing death of an Augusta man at a party has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison.

Alton Cobb was also ordered to serve six years of probation after his release.

Cobb was originally charged with murder in the December 1994 killing of 27-year-old David Ouellette. He subsequently pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.

The prosecution said the stabbing occurred at a Waterville apartment where Ouellette, Cobb and several other people had been drinking and playing cards.

Superior Court Justice Donald Alexander handed down the sentence Friday in Kennebec County Superior Court.