Qin Qin (Catherine) Shen was handed the stiff sentence for attempted murder on Thursday. With credit for time served, she will spend an additional eight years in prison.
On the day of the attack, Shen entered the court carrying the two weapons in her purse. Bag checks and metal detector screenings are not standard at the courthouse.
Catherine Shen attacked a rival with a hammer and fish knife in B.C. Supreme Court in 2021. Crown says she should spend 16-18 years behind bars, while defence wants six years.