A woman who drowned her two young sons in the bathtub of the family home near Edmonton has been sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter.

Justice Michelle Crighton recommended Allyson McConnell remain at a mental hospital until doctors believe she is well enough to be transferred to another facility.

With credit for time served, the Australian woman will be eligible for parole in 10 months.

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Ms. McConnell was originally charged with second-degree murder, but was convicted in April of manslaughter by Judge Crighton who said no one knew whether the suicidal woman meant to kill her boys.

She and her husband were in the middle of a bitter divorce and she wanted to take their children back to Australia.

The Crown is appealing the manslaughter conviction.