NSW woman Wendie-Sue Dent jailed 25 years for the poisoning murder of partner, David Lawrence

A woman who callously murdered her partner with a cocktail of prescription drugs in an attempt to take his estate has learnt when she could be released from prison.

A NSW woman who callously murdered her partner with a cocktail of prescription drugs in an attempt to take his $300,000 estate has been jailed.

Wendie-Sue Dent, 62, was found guilty of murdering her partner, David Lawrence, at his home at Morphett Vale, south of Adelaide, in December 2015.

Supreme Court Justice Tim Stanley jailed her for life with a 25-year non-parole period on Monday.

In sentencing, he said Mr Lawrence was “besotted” with Dent, who he had met the year before his death.

“You exploited his attraction for your financial benefit,” he said.

“Ultimately, you killed him for your financial gain.”

Justice Tim Stanley said Wendie-Sue Dent has shown no remorse for her crime. Picture: Nine News

He said Dent killed her partner by administering a toxic overdose of prescription medication including morphine, tramadol and codeine.

Justice Stanley said Dent has shown no remorse or contrition for the crime, and has “compounded the grief and suffering” of Mr Lawrence’s siblings by her continued pursuit of his money.

He said the family and friends of Mr Lawrence had suffered an “intense and profound grief” at his passing.

“Their loss is compounded by the knowledge that you preyed on his kindness and generosity,” he said.

David Lawrence, 63, was deliberately poisoned by his partner in December 2015. Picture: SA Police

The judge said Dent has a history of more than 40 years of opioid abuse and addiction, but that did not excuse her actions.

“This was a premeditated murder motivated by a desire for financial gain and necessarily accompanied by an intention to kill,” he said.

Prosecutors had alleged at trial that Mr Lawrence’s estate was worth $300,000

Dent’s sentence was backdated to July 2017, when she was taken into custody.

She showed no emotion as the sentence was handed down and she was led from the dock.

Wendie-Sue Dent showed no emotion as her murder sentence was handed down and she was led from the dock. Picture: Sam Wundke

The court was filled with supporters of Mr Lawrence, while his brother, Phillip Lawrence, held a photo of Mr Lawrence as he watched the sentence by video-link.

Outside court, Mr Lawrence’s nephew, Blake Lawrence, said the family was pleased with the outcome.

“Nearly five years ago we lost David Lawrence, beloved brother and uncle, at the hands of Wendie Dent,” he said.

“In December of 2015, Wendie made the decision to murder David to claim his estate.

“Today we are very pleased to hear that the court has passed a 25-year sentence, which means that she is likely to spend the rest of her life behind bars.”

Mr Lawrence remembered his uncle as a “kind, loving, gentle person” who had been exploited and taken advantage of.

He thanked the SA Police major crime unit and the jury, who proceeded with the trial in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown.

Dent has lodged an appeal against her conviction.