Waitress director Adrienne Shelly's killer has been been given a 25-year prison sentence.

Construction worker Diego Pillco killed Shelly in November 2006 after she caught him taking money from her purse.

Pillco pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

"I just want to ask for forgiveness (from Shelly's) family," said Pillco at the sentencing.

Responding to Pillco, Supreme Court Justice Carol Berkman said: "I doubt you'll get that, sir."

Shelly began her career as an actress in Hal Hartley's indie film The Unbelievable Truth before moving behind the camera to write and direct last year's Waitress.

Shelly's final script, Serious Moonlight, will be directed by Curb Your Enthusiasm star Cheryl Hines.