A former Power Rangers star has been jailed for six years after killing his roommate with a sword.

Prosecutors said Ricardo Medina Jr stabbed Josh Sutter "multiple times" at a home they shared in Green Valley, Los Angeles county, in January 2015.

Medina, who played the red Power Ranger in the TV show in 2002, claimed he was acting in self-defence after Mr Sutter broke into his bedroom following an argument.

The 38-year-old actor was originally charged with first degree murder but later pleaded guilty to a count of voluntary manslaughter.

Medina's lawyer, Stanley Friedman, said the actor agreed to plead guilty to manslaughter so as not to risk a murder conviction and possible life sentence.


Image: Medina has also appeared in ER and CSI Miami

During the sentencing at Superior Court in Lancaster, California, Mr Sutter's father asked Judge Daviann Mitchell to show no leniency towards Medina.

Donald Sutter said: "Put this killer in general (prison) population so he will see and feel the same fear that Joshua must have felt."

After stabbing Mr Sutter, Medina called 911 and took his roommate to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The victim's sister, Rachel Kennedy, told ABC News a post-mortem found her brother sustained 10 sharp force injuries.

These were said to have included hand injuries and a stab wound through the abdomen.

Last year, the TMZ website reported that the blade used had been a "Conan The Barbarian-style broadsword".