An actor who played a police officer on hit TV show The Shield has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for killing his wife.

Michael Jace was sentenced in Los Angeles after being convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of April Jace.

Michael Jace has been sentenced to 40 years for murdering his wife (Nick Ut/AP/PA)Michael Jace has been sentenced to 40 years for murdering his wife (Nick Ut/AP/PA)

He was sentenced after an emotional hearing in which the victim’s family members wept as they spoke about the impact of her loss.

Jace apologised to the family and said there was no justification for his actions.

Savoy Brown, son of murder victim April Jace from a previous relationship (Anthony McCartney/AP/PA)Savoy Brown, son of murder victim April Jace from a previous relationship (Anthony McCartney/AP/PA)

The 53-year-old has acknowledged shooting his wife in May 2014. His lawyer told jurors Jace acted in the heat of passion.

Prosecutors cited evidence from the couple’s 10-year-old son, who told jurors he heard his father say: “If you like running, then run to heaven,” before firing a second gunshot.