Woman jailed for life for cutting off husband's penis

A judge has sentenced a California woman who cut off her estranged husband's penis and tossed it in the bin to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

Catherine Kieu, 50, was convicted by a jury in April of aggravated mayhem and torture following the June 2011 assault on her ex-husband.

Kieu drugged her former spouse before tying him up and severing his penis with a knife. She then threw it into the bin.

After the sentencing hearing, the victim - identified as "Glen" - said he wished for a stronger sentence.

"Deep down inside I was hoping for a stronger sentence, but given the restraints of the law this is what he had to do," he said.

"There may be a situation where I can be happy, but whole? Never ... I've got a long ways to go."