UPDATED 3:07pm: A Christchurch murderer's claims of attacking a 41-year old mother with a garden gnome have been dismissed by a High Court judge. 

Tim Foley, 55, was today jailed for at least 11 years and eight months for murdering his girlfriend Michelle Lawrence with a crowbar at her home in 2012.

The court had earlier heard from Michelle Larence's mother Christine, as she addressed Foley and told him of the hurt he had caused.

"Michelle died - not because she was sick, or old, or in an accident - but because someone decided he didn't want her to live. That someone was Tim Foley."

Lawrence's daughter also addressed Foley, saying he had stolen her mother and how she wouldn't ever forgive him.

Crown lawyer Chris Lange, says the 41-year-old was struck eight times in the head with a metal bar, in an act which appeared to be premeditated.

"The metal bar had been lent to the defendant by an associate several weeks prior to [the murder]. It was brought to the victim's house for the purpose of the assault."

When delivering the sentence, Justice Cameron Mander told the 55-year-old he failed to take responsibility for his actions.

"Although you placed a blanket over Ms Lawrence, you effectively abandoned her.

"Your approach to the police was a calculated step, which offered the best chance of minimising the nature of your attack on Ms Lawrence."

Mander also told Foley he's failed to acknowledge the seriousness of his actions.

"You've sought to nominate others for administering fatal blows in what can only be described as an unreal, if not desperate, attempt to avoid responsibility."

Following the sentencing, Lawrence's brother addressed the media outside, and says the family could rest easy knowing the man that killed his sister will be locked up for a long time.

Mark Lawrence says that after waiting two and a half years for this day, his sister's family can finally breath a sigh of relief.

"Though no sentence would ever be enough for the taking of our sister, daughter, mother and friend's life, and no penalty imposed on Foley is ever going to bring Michelle back."