PROVIDENCE — A 32-year-old Lincoln man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years in prison for murdering his friend, Dawn Alves, in December 2006, according to the attorney general’s office.

Jeremy R. Pontbriant, of 438 River Rd., Lincoln, pleaded no contest before Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Procaccini to a reduced charge of second-degree murder, said Michael Healey, spokesman for Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch. Procaccini sentenced Pontbriant to 50 years in prison, with 30 years to serve.

As part of the plea bargain, Pontbriant gave up his rights to a bail hearing; a trial, or to have the case investigated by a grand jury. He also relinquished his appellate rights, Healey said.

Alves, 24, of Lincoln, and Pontbriant were close friends, according to Alves’ family and others close to her. They both worked overnight shifts at different supermarkets; they often had breakfast together and then worked out at a local fitness facility. According to Alves’ friends and family members, Pontbriant wanted a romantic relationship, but she did not.

An investigation determined that Pontbriant attacked Alves with a hammer at her home on the morning of Dec. 12, 2006, and a medical examiner determined that Alves died from the blunt-force trauma of those injuries, Healey said.

Alves’ mother, Marion Alves, addressed Pontbriant in court yesterday, Healey said.

“What you did might have been in a moment of anger, or maybe desperation, but you never considered the consequences of your actions,” she said. “This has totally affected me and my family, and your family as well.

“ … As long as I live, I will never understand how you could hurt someone you claimed that you loved. Time can never be taken back and changed. All of our lives will never be the same.”

kziner@projo.com