Family of a woman who was stabbed in the heart with a hunting knife in regional Victoria are relieved a jury found her killer guilty of murder.
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Grandmother Karen Ashcroft was stabbed at a friend's property at Maryborough in May last year after a gathering.
Following two days of deliberations, a Supreme Court jury on Friday found Ben Wardlaw guilty of her murder.
"She was a very caring, loving lady," one of Ms Ashcroft's relatives said outside the court in Melbourne following the verdict.
"We're very relieved it's all finished."
There was no doubt Wardlaw stabbed the 52-year-old but the jury had to decide whether he intended to kill or seriously injure her.
Crown prosecutor Diana Piekusis QC previously told the court people at the property were drinking and using drugs, including Wardlaw who used ice at some point.
He didn't speak to his victim at all during the night until just before she left the property about 3.30am on May 14.
"The accused, holding an orange hunting knife, approached Karen Ashcroft and stabbed her ... the knife went through her heart," Ms Piekusis said.
Ms Ashcroft fell to the ground and said she'd been stabbed before losing consciousness.
Paramedics declared her dead about an hour later.
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An autopsy found she had a 6.8cm stab wound including a "through and through" injury to her heart that would have required "moderate force".
During the trial jurors were told people at the house described Wardlaw as having a blank expression and an "angry scowl" after the stabbing.
One man confronted him and took him outside.
"I had to. You've got to help me," the prosecutor said Wardlaw told the man.
Wardlaw was arrested in a nearby street hours later and taken to hospital for treatment to a self-inflicted injury.
Blood tests found he had methamphetamine, amphetamine and diazepam in his system.
Three juries in Ballarat were discharged before the case was moved to Melbourne.
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