A murderer who stabbed a 23-year-old woman to death has been jailed for life.
Gabrielle Marshall was found dead at her friend's home in Ulverstone, Tasmania on June 15, 2021.
Colin William Drake pleaded not guilty to her murder in July that year, but changed his plea to guilty in September.
Gabrielle Marshall was found dead at her friend's home in Ulverstone, Tasmania on June 15, 2021
Mrs Marshall had moved to Tasmania from Queensland just weeks before her death.
At Drake's sentencing in the High Court in Burnie, Justice Tamara Jago said there was no apparent motive for the killing. She called it “random violence committed against a stranger.” Mercury reported.
She added that the killing could have been sexual or an attempt to steal cigarettes.
“Whatever the reason behind the suspect's murder, it is clear that he is a danger to the community,” the judge added.
'The senseless and brutal murder of Mrs Marshall caused enormous shock and extreme pain and suffering to her family.'
Drake was sentenced to life in prison and will be eligible for parole in 20 years.