GUILTY NEW ZEALAND - Grace Millane, 22, British backpacker, Auckland, 1 Dec 2018 #3

[jamjim]

Life imprisonment means exactly what it says, Justice Moore said, life behind bars.

He said it was a common misconception that murderers will be out of prison within 10 years.

Grace Millane murder: Killer to be sentenced this morning over British backpacker's death

 

[jamjim]

Justice Moore is now giving the killer a first strike warning. His sentence will be delivered shortly.

Grace Millane murder: Killer to be sentenced this morning over British backpacker's death

 

[jamjim]

The killer has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 17 years.

Grace Millane murder: Killer to be sentenced this morning over British backpacker's death

 

[Alyce]

I really don't understand how he says the starting point is 17 years and then doesn't increase the sentence beyond this

 

[Alyce]

dbm

 

[jamjim]

Justice Moore is now addressing Ian Brookie.

He said the defence the barrister put forward for the killer was entirely proper and was run in a "strong and competent fashion".

The level of public criticism Brookie received during the trial was "entirely wrong", Justice Moore said.

Grace Millane murder: Killer sentenced to life in prison

 

[jamjim]

The killer left the dock in silence and showed little emotion.

Grace Millane murder: Killer jailed for a minimum of 17 years

 

[CoverMeCagney]

17 years is not enough in my opinion, but I really did fear it would be less than that. He will be on parole for the rest of his life even when he gets released.

Let's hope any further convictions he may obtain run consecutively rather than concurrently.

 

[jamjim]

"The international press is now gathered outside the courthouse. It is expected the Crown, police and defence will all comment about today's sentencing."

Grace Millane murder: Killer jailed for a minimum of 17 years

 

[jamjim]

"Following the formal reading of his sentence, Grace's killer was immediately escorted from the courtroom by two security guards.

He did not appear emotional to those present in the courtroom."

Grace Millane: Murderer sentenced to life in prison with minimum term of 17 years

 

[jamjim]

The killer's father and family has just left the courthouse.

The killer's father would not comment to the Herald when asked what he thought of the sentence or when the last time he spoke to his son was.

He left the building visibly upset with tears in his eyes.

Grace Millane murder: Killer jailed for a minimum of 17 years

 

[jamjim]

Crown prosecutor Brian Dickey told reporters outside the court, the sentence was "what he'd asked for" and he was happy with the result.

He said he had spoken to Grace's family on the phone and they "seemed happy” with the sentence.

Grace Millane: Murderer sentenced to life in prison with minimum term of 17 years

 

[jamjim]

Defence lawyer Ian Brookie told the Herald a decision was yet to be made about an appeal.

Grace Millane murder: Killer jailed for a minimum of 17 years

 

[jamjim]

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said the sentence was a reflection of the gravity of the murder.

"The jury found him guilty, that's the bottom line, he can maintain his innocence, but that's the bottom line," Beard said

Grace Millane murder: Killer jailed for a minimum of 17 years

 

[jamjim]

Beard said the Millane family was pleased with the sentence.

Grace Millane murder: Killer jailed for a minimum of 17 years

 

[jamjim]

Detective Inspector Scott Beard spoke outside the High Court in Auckland after the sentence was announced.

“Today marks an end to the long and difficult time for the Millane family,” he begins.

“Even though their lives had been changed together, with help from family and friends they can finally move on with their lives,” he said.

Beard thanked the NZ Police who had worked hard over the investigation, and the public.

“The sentence is a reflection of the gravity the murder has had on New Zealand and in the United Kingdom,” he said.

He said he hoped it would give some comfort to family and friends as they come to terms with the "senseless killing".

"I've spoken to the family, they are pleased with the sentence but they won't get Grace back," he said.

Grace Millane: Murderer sentenced to life in prison with minimum term of 17 years

 

[jamjim]

Detective Inspector Scott Beard thanked police staff who have "worked tirelessly" on this investigation to get "justice for Grace".

"I also want to thank the NZ public for the messages of support they sent through the investigation for the Millane family ... it is absolutely unbelievable."

Beard referred to the killer's actions as "a senseless and needless murder".

"He can maintain his innocence, but the jury found him guilty."

"Strangling someone for five to 10 minutes until they die is not rough sex. If people are going to use that as a defence, all it's going to do is revictimise the victim and their family ... I don't believe that rough sex should be a defence."

There was "no doubt" the case had been tough for everyone involved, Beard said.

In response to questions about the killer's emotional reaction to the trial and the sentence, Scott Beard said it was not for him to say.

"It's not for me to comment on how he reacted, except that he murdered Grace Millane. That's what the jury determined and that's what he was sentenced for today."

Grace Millane: Murderer sentenced to life in prison with minimum term of 17 years

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Beard said the Millane family was pleased with the sentence.

Grace Millane murder: Killer jailed for a minimum of 17 years

Well that's something. They must have dreaded a light sentence or no sentence at all.

Thank you @jamjim for the updates, and also to everyone else who has posted news over the months.

 

[flutterby]

I hope this brings her poor family some peace x

 

[Sally4x]

Thanks @jamjim for all the updates. I really would have liked for it to have been longer than 17 years. I’m also shocked that the Daily Mail have now named him. I hope that nothing jeopardises any future trials he may have. My thoughts are with Grace’s family and friends.