CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A Mecklenburg County judge has sentenced a Charlotte man to life in prison without parole following his conviction the beating death of his 23-month-old son more than four years ago.

Two weeks ago, Andre Hampton was convicted of first-degree murder in the November 2008.death of Ellijah Burger. The jury deliberated 16 hours over four days before recommending on Tuesday that the 27-year-old Hampton spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Hampton confessed during a videotaped interview to beating Ellijah with a toothbrush, a hairbrush and a belt, telling a detective that his son wouldn't eat his soup.

Assistant District Attorney Bill Stetzer had urged jurors to put Hampton on death row. Defense lawyer Norman Butler asked jurors what good would it do to hand down a death sentence.