Manning was originally charged with second degree murder in the September 2001 stabbing death of Davidee Adla, 44.

After a five-day trial ended Friday, Justice Paul Chrumka delivered the lesser verdict. Ten witnesses, including Manning herself, were called to the stand by defence counsel Sue Cooper and Crown prosecutors Steve White and Ken Kehler.

As Manning rocked back and forth in the Iqaluit courtroom, Chrumka said he did not believe she intended to kill Adla.

"I am satisfied that the accused, at the time she stabbed the deceased, was not acting in self-defence but out of anger," said Chrumka.

He then ordered a pre-sentencing report be completed. Once the report is prepared, a date will be set for sentencing. Manning will remain out of custody until she is sentenced.

Abusive relationship

During her often emotional testimony, Manning recounted story after story of horrific physical, sexual and verbal abuse she suffered at the hands of Adla. They met in 1990 in Cape Dorset.

Manning testified that the worst beating was in March 1991. He then beat her so badly that both her eyes were swollen shut, then hit her with a table.

"I was trying to make my way towards the door. I was feeling the walls because I couldn't see. I heard something crashing behind me and almost immediately after that I felt the table on my back. He threw it at my back. I don't know how many times he hit me with it after that," she said.

Manning had a child with Adla in 1994, and considered suicide to end the relationship. Instead, she moved to Iqaluit in 1998 to attend college.

"When he found out where I lived, he came around," said Manning.

Defence witness Dr. Robert Wood Hill said Manning's behaviour could be attributed to battered spouse syndrome.

"Tragically what continues is the ongoing psychological perception that he's still there no matter what. She perceived her life threatened," he said.

However, Crown lawyer Steve White challenged the doctor's findings. White confirmed through questioning that Hill's opinion was based solely on what Manning told him.

He also pointed out Hill also failed to ask Manning what she was thinking while stabbing Adla.

The night in question

Manning admitted stabbing Adla in her home early in the morning of Sept. 1, 2001 after he hit her when she told him to leave.

As her roommate ran out the door to look for assistance, Manning said Adla stopped hitting her and went to the washroom.

That's when she grabbed the knife.

When Adla came out of bathroom, Manning said he headed to the door to put his shoes on.

Adla then swung his fist at Manning. She said she reacted by covering her eyes and swinging the knife.

"I swung my arm out and stabbed him. I stabbed him three times. I pulled out the knife and moved back. He cried out my name," said Manning.

When Adla fell to the ground, she began administering mouth to mouth resuscitation. He was later pronounced dead at the Baffin Regional Hospital.

Manning told the court she did not intend to kill Adla. She said she was just trying to give him a message to stay away.