South Africa - Martin, 55, Theresa, 54, Rudi Van Breda, 22, Murdered, 26 Jan 2015 #5

[JudgeJudi]

There is no pre-disposition to commit acts of violence, that counts in your favor.

You have been diagnosed with juvenile myclonic epilepsy and are on medication for this and also for depression and anxiety.

It seems as if the murders were committed within the same period of time and it seems that the factors that lead to each murder were the same.

Cape {Town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) | Twitter

 

[JudgeJudi]

Count 1 life imprisonment
Count 2 life imprisonment
Count 3 life imprisonment
Count 4 15 years
Count 5 12 months

Yay. I got it right. He deserves every minute.

 

[Interested Bystander]

So he is going to appeal !!!!!

 

[JudgeJudi]

Leave for appeal to be heard on 27 June (2 weeks' time)

 

[Estelle]

So how many years is that? He did not say that the life sentences were to be served concurrently but is that understood? 91 years or 41 years?

 

[L2L]

Are they concurrent?

 

[JudgeJudi]

He's got Buckley's of winning an appeal.

 

[Fluffykins]

I note HvB is nodding to various points Desai is making about the attacks. Why does he still proclaim his innocence?

Yes, every time Judge Desai said "I sentence you to life imprisonment" he nodded quite emphatically. But he's still going to appeal? Good grief, what on earth does he hope to achieve? SMH.

 

[Fluffykins]

Count 1 life imprisonment
Count 2 life imprisonment
Count 3 life imprisonment
Count 4 15 years
Count 5 12 months

Yay. I got it right. He deserves every minute.

Just want to say how much I like this post.

 

[Interested Bystander]

I suspect the appeal will be to attempt to get him out of prison whilst he waits for the court appointment. It will be claimed he is no danger to the public and like Pistorius he will probably be free for another 2 or so years. I don't see any reason for an appeal to be successful but we all watched Pistorius avoid jail for some long while. Time will tell.

 

[Tortoise]

Team News24 (@TeamNews24) | Twitter

The State’s dream team: Advocates Megan Blows and Susan Galloway with investigating officer Sergeant Marlon Appollis.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Are they concurrent?

I thought he'd be quite specific. It rather sounds like it's the term of his natural life, however after 25 years he is still eligible to apply for parole.

In Oz we have a sentence "never to be released" but SA doesn't have that.

 

[Tortoise]

Berenice Moss (@BereniceMoss) | Twitter

The sentences will run concurrently #sabcwc

 

[Fluffykins]

Adv G: should life be imposed - Judge Desai: if I impose one life sentence then all other sentences automatically run concurrently

Cape {Town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) | Twitter

Sounds to me like he's been sentenced to 25 years.

 

[L2L]

Sounds to me like he's been sentenced to 25 years.

That's disappointing!

 

[Fluffykins]

I suspect the appeal will be to attempt to get him out of prison whilst he waits for the court appointment. It will be claimed he is no danger to the public and like Pistorius he will probably be free for another 2 or so years. I don't see any reason for an appeal to be successful but we all watched Pistorius avoid jail for some long while. Time will tell.

But was Pistorius allowed out pending sentencing? Botha tried to argue that Henri was no danger, his face was too well known etc but Desai wouldn't have it because of the seriousness of the crimes. If he wouldn't allow Henri out pre-sentencing, hopefully he won't allow him out pending the appeal.

 

[L2L]

Anything about staying in the hospital wing?

 

[Fluffykins]

That's disappointing!

Sure is, L2L.

 

[Fluffykins]

When Judge Desai said "if I impose one life sentence, then all other sentences automatically run concurrently," it sounded like he didn't have any choice in the matter.

Still, at least he didn't find any reason to be "merciful" as he previously suggested. 25 years is little enough, but at least he didn't make it any less.

 

[Estelle]

Only 25 years for five crimes and he can appeal after 25 years and stay in the hospital wing.

What grounds do you think Botha can appeal on?