A Quebec judge awarded $600,000 to the family of the murdered wife of former football star Tommy Kane.

Kane, who grew up in Montreal and played as a wide receiver in both the CFL and NFL, was found guilty of manslaughter in 2003 for slashing the throat of wife Tamara Shaikh. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Shaikh's sister, Ava, was granted the sum on May 11 after suing for $1.2 million for pain and suffering. Kane's lawyer said the ex-professional athlete was willing to compensate the family, but felt the $1.2 million was steep in comparison with other similar suits within the province.

Kane and Shaikh had four children together, each of whom was awarded $125,000 by Justice Clement Gascon. Ava Shaikh was awarded $90,000 in damages.

Currently in prison for his crime, Kane is unable to pay the sum, but has up to ten years to provide the money to the family. Kane gave $200,000 to his family after the home he and Shaikh shared was sold.

The victory was bittersweet for sister Ava, admitted victims' advocate Teresa Forster of Women Aware, a group for survivors of domestic abuse.

"She's dealing with mixed emotions. She's pleased with it, and it created a precedent for other women who have to travel that way, but there's no dollar amount that could replace her sister or the mother the children lost," she said.