A Maple Ridge woman who fatally stabbed and cut her husband 14 times has been given life in prison with no chance of parole for 12 years.

Leah Florence was convicted last year of second-degree murder after stabbing her husband, 50-year-old Andrew Lynn Milne, to death on Nov. 3, 2009 after a drunken argument turned violent.

They had been married for 15 years.

The stabbing took place in the couple's basement suite in Hammond, in an Ospring Street home belonging to Florence's aunt.

A number of witnesses, including police, firefighters, paramedics, and doctors, testified during the trial that Florence was intoxicated when they dealt with her.

Based on that and other evidence, Madam Justice Jeanne E. Watchuk concluded that Florence exhibited signs of being moderately to heavily intoxicated, such as slurring, balance issues, and mood swings.

However, she was not confused and was able to communicate with people.

A second-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence.

However, the period before parole eligibility can vary from a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of 25 years.

smclaren@mrtimes.com