15 years for woman's murder

File photo / NZ Herald

An 18-year-old man is to serve at least 15 years in jail for the murder of 70-year-old Barbara Julian in her home near Kaitaia last November.

Jameel Job was only 17 when he broke into Mrs Julian's home in broad daylight and bashed her to death when she disturbed him, the High Court at Whangarei was told.

Job's mental capacity was questioned and it was some time before he was considered fit to plead and admitted his guilt.

The court was told that Job bashed Mrs Julian with a bottle, breaking an arm and several of her ribs and fingers in the attack.

He disturbed her lower clothing and also took items from the house in an effort to cover his tracks.

Mrs Julian, a highly regarded former teacher whose funeral was attended by nearly 1000 people, was later found dead by a friend for whom she had been preparing afternoon tea.

Crown prosecutor Mike Smith sought a minimum non-parole period of 17 years while the defence counsel argued for 12 years.

Defence counsel Doug Blaikie said the accused was the product of a terrible upbringing and he had lived much of his life on the streets.

In sentencing Job, Justice Paula Andrews emphasised that the sentence was life in prison, and it meant just that.

After the sentencing, which took nearly three hours, Mrs Julian's family said while satisfied with the outcome, nothing could bring their loved one back.

- NZPA