The verdict

This is what the Auckland District Court heard at the sentencing of Mark Middleton.

Judge Michael Lance, QC: "Mr Middleton, threatening to kill is a serious crime. There's no room whatsoever for vigilante justice. A lynch-mob approach is quite unacceptable.

"The circumstances of Karla's murder were sadistic, brutal and possibly the most agonising thing imaginable. I'm satisfied that you suffered an immediate trauma.

"Shortly before [Dally's] Parole Board hearing, you were provided with a copy of the confession statement he had given to police which contained all the horrific circumstances of the murder that you were previously unaware of. Coming so close to the date of the Parole Board hearing, I'm quite sure it triggered your actions.

"You chose to use the media as a vehicle to attract maximum publicity. The police were tolerant, even sympathetic but because of your actions, eventually had to charge you.

"It was regrettable that you were not diagnosed [with chronic hypertrophic grief] and treated earlier.

"Although I'm quite satisfied that you were sincere in the concerns that lead you to make these threats, I'm nevertheless satisfied that you knew exactly what you were doing."

The defence lawyer, Keith Jefferies: "The psychiatrist's report has been useful because for the first time it has enabled Mr Middleton to have an insight into his feelings and behaviour.

"He now appreciates that his concerns with Dally can now be dealt with in a way that does not involve breaking the law.

"He will not make any further threats and realises his mistakes. He now appreciates there are other ways of achieving what he really wants to do which may involve him lobbying for law reform.

"Mr Middleton is in a deep process of grief, for which prison is not appropriate but some sort of professional intervention is required."

Judge Lance: Is he able to obtain treatment privately?

Jefferies: Yes.

Judge Lance: Does he accept the jury's verdicts?

Jefferies: Yes.

Crown Prosecutor Andrew Cameron: "Mr Middleton is not being sentenced today because of any political view he may hold or concerns about longer prison sentences. He was convicted by a jury because of his offending against the law. No person is above, or can ever be said to be above the law.

"Of themselves, these threats were extremely serious and were uttered having been given warnings by the police on several occasions ... He was urged to desist from the outset but he decided, knowing full well the consequences of his actions, that he would proceed nonetheless.

"His call for vigilante justice demands condemnation in a civilised society."