After killing his girlfriend in a jealous rage, a Windsor man has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 15 years.
John Wayne Pierre, 49, was found guilty in September 2018 following a trial by jury of second-degree murder in the death of 42-year-old Lesley Watterworth.
Pierre attacked her with a knife in their Curry Ave home on November 1, 2016 where she suffered 69 cuts and stab wounds including a 15 cm deep stab wound to her back.
In handing down her sentence today, Justice Renee Pomerance said domestic murders, by their nature, attract shock and horror.
She said, "Watterworth ought to have been able to trust Pierre to care for her and keep her safe. Instead, he perpetrated the ultimate act of violence upon her.'
Pierre had testified the couple had been on a three-day bender, taking drugs and drinking alcohol leading up to the fatal attack.
Some of Watterworth's injuries were to her hands, indicating she was trying to defend herself.
Defence lawyer Ken Marley was hoping for a lower sentence.
"Certainly higher than I was seeking in terms of the parole ineligibility period, but it was certainly within the range that the court of appeal has set for that type of offence, so I'm not surprised by it although I am disappointed that her honour didn't impose the lower sentence."
The defence had been asking for a sentence of 10 to 13 years due to the level of intoxication.
Lesley Watterworth was found dead in her Curry Ave. home in November 2016 (Image courtesy of Watterworth family)
Outside of Superior Court, Lesley's mother Veronica Watterworth is satisfied with the outcome.
"I'm very happy with the sentence. I wish it could have been more," she says. "Everything is done. It is final, I don't have to think about it anymore, I think about her, but he is going where he deserves to go."
Watterworth says her daughter will always be close to her heart.
"I got her ring and her necklace, the detective brought it back to me today," she says. "I have her at home with me, her ashes I have them with me."
The court heard Pierre had a difficult childhood and struggles with substance abuse and mental illnesses, but Justice Pomerance says 'a troubled past does not offer a licence to harm others.'
Pierre showed no reaction to the sentence.