An Ethiopian refugee has been jailed for at least five years over the manslaughter of his wife, who was stabbed to death at their Auburn apartment in 2014.

Solomon Hailu Jenbare, 52, was sentenced to nine years jail today with a non-parole period of five years at the NSW Supreme Court for stabbing 25-year-old wife Wubanchi Asfaw.

He was tried for murder, however a jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter under “substantial impairment” from post-traumatic stress disorder, arising from torture he endured in Ethiopia.

Emotional family and friends of Ms Asfaw outside court. (9NEWS)

Justice Lucy McCallum told the court Jenbare had shown “remorse” for the brutal death of Ms Asfaw, and was unlikely to reoffend.

“I am satisfied that the offender is genuinely remorseful,” she said.

Jenbare will be eligible for parole in April 2019. (9NEWS)

Justice Lucy McCallum told the court Jenbare had shown remorse. (9NEWS)

“His good character belies any intention to kill her.”

Ms Asfaw’s distraught mother and friends broke down and yelled outside court after learning of Jenbare’s sentence.