Toronto woman Nicola Puddicombe, convicted of first-degree murder in 2009, is seeking early release. She has served more than 15 years of her 25-year life sentence.

On Oct. 27, 2006, her boyfriend Dennis Hoy was beaten to death with the blunt end of an axe while he was asleep in bed, according to a Supreme Court of Canada case summary.

Court documents obtained by National Post reveal that Puddicombe is applying for parole under the “faint hope” clause .

In Canada, anyone convicted of first-degree murder is not eligible for parole until they have served 25 years of their sentence. However, under the faint hope clause, they can apply after serving 15 years. It is referred to as such because it requires an offender to overcome major hurdles. Parole through the clause is applicable only f

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