HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) An East Hartford man who was charged with manslaughter in a fatal beating at a drugstore has been found not guilty by reason of mental defect.

Police say Anthony Henry punched and kicked 58-year-old Robert Boulay in the head during an Aug. 3 argument. Boulay died Aug. 9.

Police say 24-year-old Henry said he didn't mean to hurt Boulay, who he says followed him into the store and was picking on him. Henry told police he is autistic and had been bullied.

A judge said Tuesday prosecutors proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Henry was guilty of first-degree manslaughter in Boulay's death.

But she says Henry couldn't control his conduct ``within the confines of the law.'' Henry was sent to a hospital to be evaluated before his Jan. 6 hearing.