A Japanese court sentenced a man to death for stabbing and killing eight children at an elementary school two years ago, officials said Thursday.

An official at Osaka District Court, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Takuma was sentenced for the mass slaying in which he went from classroom to classroom knifing elementary school children.

Thirteen other children and two teachers were injured in the June 8, 2001 attack.

In handing down the ruling, the judge at Osaka District Court in western Japan said the former janitor was capable of judging right from wrong and was responsible for the crime, public broadcaster NHK said.

Takuma, 39, had admitted to the killings but had a history of schizophrenia and the sentence hinged on whether judges determined he was responsible for his actions. Psychiatrists reportedly testified he was fit to stand trial.

Takuma showed little remorse for his act, reportedly telling the court in June he could have killed more children if he had attacked a kindergarten. He also said he wasn't afraid of death.

NHK said Takuma tried to make a statement before his sentence was read aloud Thursday but the judges wouldn't allow it and had him removed from the courtroom when he persisted.

"I'm going to get death anyway, so let me say what I have to say," NHK quoted Takuma as saying before being dragged away by guards. The verdict was read in his absence.

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