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By TARA BRAUTIGAM
The Canadian Press

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ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Denouncing his crimes as "evil and diabolical," a judge ruled Tuesday that a Newfoundland man who strangled his girlfriend last year and dismembered her body in an attempt to dispose of it must serve 17 years in prison before he can apply for parole.

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The Canadian Press

Decision: Warren White, 36, awaits his sentence in the prisoner’s box at the Supreme Court of Newfoundland in St. John’s on Tuesday.

Warren White sat in the prisoner's box with his head hung low and eyes fixated on the ground as provincial Supreme Court Justice James Adams rendered his sentence.

"To deliberately take the life of another is a despicable crime, but to try covering it up evokes utter revulsion in anyone with a conscience," Adams said.

White, 36, pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder and interfering with a dead body in the death of Amanda Power. He was given a mandatory life sentence.

White said he wrapped his hands around Power's throat, choking her to death, during a fit of rage because he suspected the 29-year-old woman of infidelity.

He said he had taken a large quantity of Clomazapam, a drug used to decrease seizures or anxiety, earlier in the day before he confronted her about his suspicions.

Days later, he dragged her body to the bathtub and cut off her body parts using a hacksaw and knife.

On June 6, 2008, about a week after her death, Power's lower torso was found inside a suitcase by children who were playing in the backyard of White's apartment in a leafy St. John's neighbourhood.

Police found her upper torso in a hockey bag nearby. Her head was wrapped in grocery bags inside White's freezer.

White admits he cut off her arms and legs, put them into two backpacks and threw them into a river that leads into the city's harbour. They've not been recovered.

During his sentencing hearing last week, White apologized to Power's family, saying he wasn't aware of his actions because he was "whacked out" on drugs at the time.

Power's father and younger brother sat quietly as White was sentenced Tuesday. They didn't speak to the media afterwards.

Crown lawyer Phil LeFeuvre, who had argued that White should serve 20 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole, said he was satisfied with the sentence.

But LeFeuvre said the grisly nature of Power's death made it particularly difficult for her family.

"It can be very difficult. You're dealing with people who have a loved one who's been killed and dealt with in the most horrific way," he said outside court.

Defence lawyer Lori Marshall had urged Adams to allow White to apply for parole after serving 12 years, arguing that his taped confession to police, during which he repeatedly apologized to Power and expressed a desire to commit suicide, was evidence of deep remorse.

Marshall declined to say whether Tuesday she would appeal the sentence.