Halifax man sentenced for bludgeoning woman to death

A 48-year-old Halifax man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2004 beating death of Sharon Ann Hatch.

Antonio Lavoie was sentenced in Nova Scotia Supreme Court Tuesday after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

Hatch's body was found in woods off the Hammonds Plains Road on Dec. 14, 2004, nearly two weeks after she was reported missing.

The court heard that Hatch, 42, was helping Lavoie move into an apartment across the hall from her on Dec. 3, 2004, when he attacked her with a hammer. 

Lavoie, who has a history of violent offences against women, will not be eligible for parole until 2025.

An autopsy revealed at least 42 crescent-shaped wounds on Hatch's head and face, numerous skull fractures, three broken ribs and a broken finger. There were also signs of strangulation.

Lavoie said he doesn't remember striking Hatch that many times.

The sentence was jointly recommended by the Crown and defence.