What are the changes here of reimbursement of alimony

husband was ordered to pay $$$ alimony each month for a period of years but during the years wife was incarcerated. Husband stopped paying alimony the day ex wife gets arrested with 5 years remaining still to pay. 2 years of asking for alimony go by and eventually ex wife files for contempt. Ex husband files a motion back to modify or terminate. Judge Won’t listen to both motions until ex wife’s trial is over. Judge never orders him to continue to pay nor allows him to stop paying. Wife is now sentenced to life, wife wants alimony reimbursement or 5 years of alimony be stopped paying that could have went towards a proper legal defense instead of court appointed attorneys. Husband is still pursuing his termination and does not agree he should reimburse any alimony. What are the chances of any backdated alimony to the ex wife incarcerated?