Vic: Woman who killed former partner sentenced

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2008
Vic: Woman who killed former partner sentenced

MELBOURNE, Feb 12 AAP - A Victorian woman, who was suffering post-natal depression
when she stabbed her former partner to death, has been sentenced to nine years in jail.

Amanda Jane Felsbourg, 22, of Moe, in the state's south-east, was found guilty last
year by a Supreme Court jury of the manslaughter of 26-year-old Wayne Laffey.

Supreme Court Justice Bernard Teague today sentenced Felsbourg to nine years in jail
with a non-parole period of six years.

The court was told that Mr Laffey was found stabbed to death on the front lawn of a
house in Keith Avenue, at Moe, on October 3, 2006.

"There were more than 30 stab wounds to his chest, arms and legs," Justice Teague said.

"Six penetrated his chest cavity causing a quick loss of blood and a quick death.

"The final stab wound had a particularly dramatic look about it.

"The knife was left upright, with the blade pinning Wayne Laffey's right hand to the ground."

The court was told that Mr Laffey and Felsbourg had had an on-off relationship since
2004, and had a daughter named Jade who was born in July 2005.

Felsbourg and Mr Laffey broke up in March 2006, but remained in contact even though
Mr Laffey had moved to Melbourne and started a new relationship with another woman, Jessica
Heslop.

In September 2006 Felsbourg and Mr Laffey began seeing each other again.

But in early October Mr Laffey decided that he wanted to return to Melbourne.

The court was told that Felsbourg became angry about a text message being sent by Ms
Heslop to Mr Laffey.

At 9.30pm on October 3, 2006, Felsbourg made three phone calls - to a friend, Triple-O
and her mother - the court was told.

"In all three calls you spoke of having killed Wayne," Justice Teague told the court.

"I am not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that you acted out of jealousy.

"I am satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that you acted out of anger.

"I accept that at the time of killing you were suffering from post-natal depression."

Justice Teague said that he took into account when sentencing Felsbourg that she had
no prior convictions, had shown remorse, and that her prospect for rehabilitation was
excellent.

AAP sam/gfr/bwl

KEYWORD: FELSBOURG

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