File photo | 8/20/07

Radford photographer Bob Shell was formally sentenced to 32 years and six months in prison this morning in the 2003 accidental death of model Marion Franklin.

Radford photographer Bob Shell was formally sentenced to 32 years and six months in prison this morning in the 2003 accidental death of model Marion Franklin.

Circuit Judge Joey Showalter issued the sentence, which upholds the recommendation of a jury that convicted Shell in August.

Shell was charged after Franklin died following a bondage-related photo shoot in Shell's Radford studio on June 3, 2003.

Shell took the stand this morning and apologized to anyone who may have been offended by the showing of his erotic work in the courtroom during his trial. He also said he shares in the grief of Franklin's family over her death.

Shell's attorney, Jonathon Venzie, has already filed a notice of appeal in the case.