CALGARY -- Confessed killer Elizabeth Laverne Roberts, who admitted the murder felt better than sex, must spend a minimum 14 years behind bars, a judge ruled yesterday.

Justice Sheila Martin said despite Roberts' tragic upbringing, which included being abandoned in a motel room by her drunken mom at two months, anything less would be inappropriate.

"There are multiple aggravating factors that justify a jump in parole ineligibility," Martin said.

"This killing is particularly shocking," the Court of Queen's Bench judge said.

Roberts, 34, earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the Feb. 15, 2004, strangulation of Calgarian Jennifer Renn.

Roberts choked the victim to death in a northwest Calgary motel room with five other people looking on because she believed Renn was a "rat" who could compromise her drug business. She told police after the murder it was "the ultimate rush."

Martin agreed with Crown prosecutor Harold Hagglund's assessment the murder was "cruel and humiliating."

Defence counsel Alain Hepner sought a two-year jump from the mandatory minimum of 10 years.

Outside court, Renn's mother, Renee Wylie suggested Roberts' background should not play a role in her punishment.

"A lot of people are dealt a bad hand, they don't run off and murder people," Wylie said.

She noted Roberts never showed remorse, even smiling in court and blowing a kiss to two supporters as she was led away to begin her sentence.

KEVIN.MARTIN@SUNMEDIA.CA