Vic woman, 22, jailed for ice-induced kill

Just one day before she fatally stabbed James Berias in the chest, Brittney Johnston admitted she could "kill someone" while on ice.

The 22-year-old mother has been jailed for killing her boyfriend with a kitchen knife during an ice-induced argument in Melbourne.

The couple were together for just three months when she stabbed him with the large knife during an argument at her Yarraville home.

Johnston was sentenced on Thursday to eight years jail after pleading guilty to Mr Berias' manslaughter on April 6 last year.

Both smoked ice and often fought, with neighbours reporting regular shouting matches.

Johnston slashed Mr Berias twice in the arm and knocked his tooth out in the month before he died.

She often grabbed knives when domestic disputes flared, the Victorian Supreme Court was told.

The day before she killed Mr Berias, Johnston told one of his friends she had to get off the ice because "I can't handle it and when I'm on this stuff I know I will kill someone".

"I cannot say with certainty when you last used ice prior to the killing... but I find your offending was connected to your substance abuse," Justice Christopher Beale said.

"That is an aggravating factor because you knew that ice exacerbated your tendency to be violent."

A toxicologist report found Mr Berias, 34, also had the drug in his system when he died.

Justice Beale said Mr Berias' family was devastated over his death.

The court was told Johnston had a troubled childhood and started abusing substances when she left home aged 12. She had also been diagnosed with ADHD and mood disorders.

Justice Beale said Johnston had escalating mental health issues in the months leading up to the fatal stabbing, which he took into account.

Johnston, 21 at the time of the killing, had been in a violent relationship prior to meeting Mr Berias.

She must serve a minimum six years before she is eligible for parole.