NZ Herald
  • Home
  • Latest news
  • Herald NOW
  • Video
  • New Zealand
  • Sport
  • World
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Podcasts
  • Quizzes
  • Opinion
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Viva
  • Weather

Subscriptions

  • Herald Premium
  • Viva Premium
  • The Listener
  • BusinessDesk

Sections

  • Latest news
  • New Zealand
    • All New Zealand
    • Crime
    • Politics
    • Education
    • Open Justice
    • Scam Update
  • Herald NOW
  • On The Up
  • World
    • All World
    • Australia
    • Asia
    • UK
    • United States
    • Middle East
    • Europe
    • Pacific
  • Business
    • All Business
    • MarketsSharesCurrencyCommoditiesStock TakesCrypto
    • Markets with Madison
    • Media Insider
    • Business analysis
    • Personal financeKiwiSaverInterest ratesTaxInvestment
    • EconomyInflationGDPOfficial cash rateEmployment
    • Small business
    • Business reportsMood of the BoardroomProject AucklandSustainable business and financeCapital markets reportAgribusiness reportInfrastructure reportDynamic business
    • Deloitte Top 200 Awards
    • Deloitte Fast 50
    • CompaniesAged CareAgribusinessAirlinesBanking and financeConstructionEnergyFreight and logisticsHealthcareManufacturingMedia and MarketingRetailTelecommunicationsTourism
  • Opinion
    • All Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Editorials
    • Business analysis
    • Premium opinion
    • Letters to the editor
  • Politics
  • Sport
    • All Sport
    • OlympicsParalympics
    • RugbySuper RugbyNPCAll BlacksBlack FernsRugby sevensSchool rugby
    • CricketBlack CapsWhite Ferns
    • Racing
    • NetballSilver Ferns
    • LeagueWarriorsNRL
    • FootballWellington PhoenixAuckland FCAll WhitesFootball FernsEnglish Premier League
    • GolfNZ Open
    • MotorsportFormula 1
    • Boxing
    • UFC
    • BasketballNBABreakersTall BlacksTall Ferns
    • Tennis
    • Cycling
    • Athletics
    • SailingAmerica's CupSailGP
    • Rowing
  • Lifestyle
    • All Lifestyle
    • Viva - Food, fashion & beauty
    • Society Insider
    • Royals
    • Sex & relationships
    • Food & drinkRecipesRecipe collectionsRestaurant reviewsRestaurant bookings
    • Health & wellbeing
    • Fashion & beauty
    • Pets & animals
    • The Selection - Shop the trendsShop fashionShop beautyShop entertainmentShop giftsShop home & living
    • Milford's Investing Place
  • Entertainment
    • All Entertainment
    • TV
    • MoviesMovie reviews
    • MusicMusic reviews
    • BooksBook reviews
    • Culture
    • ReviewsBook reviewsMovie reviewsMusic reviewsRestaurant reviews
  • Travel
    • All Travel
    • News
    • New ZealandNorthlandAucklandWellingtonCanterburyOtago / QueenstownNelson-TasmanBest NZ beaches
    • International travelAustraliaPacific IslandsEuropeUKUSAAfricaAsia
    • Rail holidays
    • Cruise holidays
    • Ski holidays
    • Luxury travel
    • Adventure travel
  • Kāhu Māori news
  • Environment
    • All Environment
    • Our Green Future
  • Talanoa Pacific news
  • Property
    • All Property
    • Property Insider
    • Interest rates tracker
    • Residential property listings
    • Commercial property listings
  • Health
  • Technology
    • All Technology
    • AI
    • Social media
  • Rural
    • All Rural
    • Dairy farming
    • Sheep & beef farming
    • Horticulture
    • Animal health
    • Rural business
    • Rural life
    • Rural technology
    • Opinion
    • Audio & podcasts
  • Weather forecasts
    • All Weather forecasts
    • Kaitaia
    • Whangārei
    • Dargaville
    • Auckland
    • Thames
    • Tauranga
    • Hamilton
    • Whakatāne
    • Rotorua
    • Tokoroa
    • Te Kuiti
    • Taumaranui
    • Taupō
    • Gisborne
    • New Plymouth
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Dannevirke
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Levin
    • Paraparaumu
    • Masterton
    • Wellington
    • Motueka
    • Nelson
    • Blenheim
    • Westport
    • Reefton
    • Kaikōura
    • Greymouth
    • Hokitika
    • Christchurch
    • Ashburton
    • Timaru
    • Wānaka
    • Oamaru
    • Queenstown
    • Dunedin
    • Gore
    • Invercargill
  • Meet the journalists
  • Promotions & competitions
  • OneRoof property listings
  • Driven car news

Puzzles & Quizzes

  • Puzzles
    • All Puzzles
    • Sudoku
    • Code Cracker
    • Crosswords
    • Cryptic crossword
    • Wordsearch
  • Quizzes
    • All Quizzes
    • Morning quiz
    • Afternoon quiz
    • Sports quiz

Regions

  • Northland
    • All Northland
    • Far North
    • Kaitaia
    • Kerikeri
    • Kaikohe
    • Bay of Islands
    • Whangarei
    • Dargaville
    • Kaipara
    • Mangawhai
  • Auckland
  • Waikato
    • All Waikato
    • Hamilton
    • Coromandel & Hauraki
    • Matamata & Piako
    • Cambridge
    • Te Awamutu
    • Tokoroa & South Waikato
    • Taupō & Tūrangi
  • Bay of Plenty
    • All Bay of Plenty
    • Katikati
    • Tauranga
    • Mount Maunganui
    • Pāpāmoa
    • Te Puke
    • Whakatāne
  • Rotorua
  • Hawke's Bay
    • All Hawke's Bay
    • Napier
    • Hastings
    • Havelock North
    • Central Hawke's Bay
    • Wairoa
  • Taranaki
    • All Taranaki
    • Stratford
    • New Plymouth
    • Hāwera
  • Manawatū - Whanganui
    • All Manawatū - Whanganui
    • Whanganui
    • Palmerston North
    • Manawatū
    • Tararua
    • Horowhenua
  • Wellington
    • All Wellington
    • Kapiti
    • Wairarapa
    • Upper Hutt
    • Lower Hutt
  • Nelson & Tasman
    • All Nelson & Tasman
    • Motueka
    • Nelson
    • Tasman
  • Marlborough
  • West Coast
  • Canterbury
    • All Canterbury
    • Kaikōura
    • Christchurch
    • Ashburton
    • Timaru
  • Otago
    • All Otago
    • Oamaru
    • Dunedin
    • Balclutha
    • Alexandra
    • Queenstown
    • Wanaka
  • Southland
    • All Southland
    • Invercargill
    • Gore
    • Stewart Island
  • Gisborne

Media

  • Video
    • All Video
    • NZ news video
    • Herald NOW
    • Business news video
    • Politics news video
    • Sport video
    • World news video
    • Lifestyle video
    • Entertainment video
    • Travel video
    • Markets with Madison
    • Kea Kids news
  • Podcasts
    • All Podcasts
    • The Front Page
    • On the Tiles
    • Ask me Anything
    • The Little Things
  • Cartoons
  • Photo galleries
  • Today's Paper - E-editions
  • Photo sales
  • Classifieds

NZME Network

  • Advertise with NZME
  • OneRoof
  • Driven Car Guide
  • BusinessDesk
  • Newstalk ZB
  • Sunlive
  • ZM
  • The Hits
  • Coast
  • Radio Hauraki
  • The Alternative Commentary Collective
  • Gold
  • Flava
  • iHeart Radio
  • Hokonui
  • Radio Wanaka
  • iHeartCountry New Zealand
  • Restaurant Hub
  • NZME Events

SubscribeSign In

Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.
Home / New Zealand

Lauren Dickason trial: Law expert says mum could face minimum 30 years in prison for murdering children

Ben Leahy
By Ben Leahy
Reporter·NZ Herald·
16 Aug, 2023 08:54 PM7 mins to read

Subscribe to listen

Access to Herald Premium articles require a Premium subscription. Subscribe now to listen.
Already a subscriber?  

Listening to articles is free for open-access content—explore other articles or learn more about text-to-speech.
‌
Save
    Share this article
Focus Live: Lauren Dickason found guilty of murder
Dickason has been found guilty of murdering her three young children at their Timaru home in 2021. She now faces a life sentence for the murder of each child. Video / NZ Herald ...
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
0:00
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • subtitles settings, opens subtitles settings dialog
    • subtitles off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Text Background
      Caption Area Background
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      Autoplay in
      3
      Disable Autoplay
      Cancel Video
      Dickason has been found guilty of murdering her three young children at their Timaru home in 2021. She now faces a life sentence for the murder of each child. Video / NZ Herald
      NOW PLAYING • Focus Live: Lauren Dickason found guilty of murder
      Dickason has been found guilty of murdering her three young children at their Timaru home in 2021. She now faces a life sentence for the murder of each child. Video / NZ Herald ...

      WARNING: This story contains graphic and sensitive content.

      A law professor believes Lauren Dickason could be facing a minimum of 30 years in prison for murdering her three daughters in their South Island home.

      However, other legal experts say the sentence length is impossible to predict given the complexity of the case and Dickason’s mental health battles.

      Dickason, 42, was yesterday found guilty of the murders of Liane, 6, and twins Maya and Karla, 2.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.
      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      She pleaded insanity, caused by postpartum depression.

      Dickason now faces a life sentence for the murder of each child. Her sentencing date is yet to be decided.

      Justice Cameron Mander said remanding Dickason in prison would be inappropriate at this time given she was under a compulsory treatment order.

      She is instead being remanded at Christchurch’s Hillmorton Hospital.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      Massey University law professor Chris Gallavin told the Mike Hosking Breakfast show this morning the base level non-parole period is a decade.

      “But there are a number of aggravating factors under the Sentencing Act that can bump that up and she ticks the box of many of those,” Gallavin said.

      “I think we’re probably looking at potentially up to 30 years of minimum non-parole period.”

      Hosking also asked whether Dickason’s legal team would likely appeal.

      Gallavin said it is “probably a high chance”.

      “That’s simply because of the complexity of this case,” he said.

      READ MORE

      • Big Read: How Dickason family’s new life in NZ descended into tragedy and heartbreak

      Legal defences mounted on the grounds of insanity were typically complex, but Dickason’s had proven even more complicated, he said.

      “The really difficult thing with insanity is it’s melding psychiatric illness expertise with legal tests.”

      Illustrating that was the fact that Dickason’s trial had experts testify who were “diametrically opposed to each other”, Gallavin said.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      He also questioned whether such cases should be decided by a jury.

      These factors were among the grounds on which an appeal could be launched he said.

      Lauren Dickason's lawyer Anne Toohey was in tears after the jury delivered its majority murder verdict. Photo / George Heard
      Lauren Dickason's lawyer Anne Toohey was in tears after the jury delivered its majority murder verdict. Photo / George Heard

      Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland law professor Julia Tolmie said it is impossible to predict what sentence Dickason will get at this point and it could all depend on “how compassionate the judge is”.

      She said it is typical in cases where a murder is “particularly egregious” to set a minimum non-parole period of at least 17 years.

      She said that was what Gallavin was referring to when saying the minimum sentence could go as high as 30 years.

      “[Dickason] ticks three of the criteria for a minimum non-parole period of 17 years or more,” Tolmie said.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      These included that Dickason’s victims were underage, young and vulnerable, there were three killings, not just one, and the killings were “particularly cruel and brutal”, she said.

      The question then centres on whether Dickason’s mental health issues make the minimum non-parole period manifestly unjust, Tolmie said.

      While the legal case is strong for a long non-parole period, Dickason appears to be someone with “extreme mental health issues”, Tolmie said.

      “And prison is not a great place to get treatment for mental health issues.”

      Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington lecturer Danica McGovern said it was also not a guarantee that Dickason may even escape getting a life sentence because of her mental health issues.

      “A sentence less than life imprisonment can be imposed where the offender’s blameworthiness is significantly reduced by serious mental health problems - it’s rare, but the judge will need to decide if that’s the case here,” McGovern said.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      “If a life sentence is imposed, Dickason’s depression and the major life stressors she was experiencing in the lead-up to the murders will be taken into account when deciding how long she must serve before she can apply for parole.”

      Killer’s parents: ‘This was not our daughter’

      Dickason’s parents Malcolm and Wendy Fawkes and the extended family released a statement to media after the verdict.

      “Postpartum depression is a terrible thing, as has been shown by what happened to our family on 16 September 2021.

      “This was not our daughter, but a debilitating mental illness which resulted in an awful tragedy, the details of which you are by now well aware.”

      They said Liane, Karla and Maya were “taken from this life to another as a result of this crippling disease”.

      “We would like to thank the people of New Zealand, South Africa and from around the world who have been so understanding of the effects of postpartum depression and mental illness, and who have given us incredible support.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      “The New Zealand Government agencies who have interacted with our family have reached out to us in a most generous and compassionate way. We thank the good people of New Zealand for that.”

      They said there are “no winners in this tragedy”.

      “We would like to encourage families and individuals around the world to be aware of the symptoms of postpartum depression as early as possible, both for yourselves as well as close family and friends around you.

      “If treated early and managed correctly, people can experience a full recovery. The person experiencing depression and those closest to them may not be able to recognise the signs or how serious postpartum depression can become.”

      Detective Inspector Scott Anderson said: “Words cannot begin to express the tragic circumstances of this investigation”.

      Police extended their deepest sympathies to the families “who will never get to see Liane, Maya, and Karla grow up and live their lives”.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.
      The three Dickason girls died in 2021. Photo / Wendy Fawkes' Facebook page
      The three Dickason girls died in 2021. Photo / Wendy Fawkes' Facebook page

      “I would like to acknowledge the Dickason and Fawkes families who have assisted us throughout our investigation,” Anderson said.

      “I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our investigation team.”

      Anderson said the investigation had been challenging and complex.

      “Right from attending the scene on the night, to the completion of the trial, and through it all our staff have worked diligently with professionalism and empathy to bring this matter to its conclusion.

      “Our heartfelt thanks also to the Timaru community and partner agencies who have continued to provide support to the families during this case.”

      Judge Cameron Mander yesterday told the jury he would accept a majority verdict.

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      Just after 3pm yesterday, the jury, who had been deliberating since early afternoon on Monday, indicated they had reached a verdict.

      Earlier, the jury indicated they had a question and returned to court soon after.

      Justice Mander was told the jury had been unable to reach a unanimous verdict and asked for instruction.

      Graham and Lauren Dickason with their daughters before the murders. Photo / Facebook
      Graham and Lauren Dickason with their daughters before the murders. Photo / Facebook

      In criminal cases, after a jury has deliberated for at least four hours and has not reached a unanimous verdict the judge may instruct them to consider a majority verdict, which is agreed to by all except one juror and can only occur if the foreperson states in open court there is no probability of the jury reaching a unanimous verdict, as the Juries Act stipulates.

      The eight women and four men - selected on July 17 - retired at 1.55pm on Monday after Justice Mander gave a lengthy summing up of the case against Dickason - and her defence.

      Their options were:

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.
      • Guilty of murder
      • Guilty of the lesser alternative charge of infanticide
      • Murder proven but not guilty by reason of insanity
      • Infanticide proven but not guilty by reason of insanity

      Justice Mander said there was no doubt Dickason killed the little girls and that she was very mentally unwell and he spent much time talking them through each.

      SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION


      Where to get help:
      • Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
      • Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
      • Youth services: (06) 3555 906
      • Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
      • What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
      • Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
      • Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
      If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111
      Save
        Share this article

      Latest from New Zealand

      New Zealand
      |Updated

      'You were everything': Man who died from critical injuries in Rotorua remembered

      New Zealand
      |Updated

      Woman adopts ex-partner’s baby to save her from meth exposure, non-accidental injury

      Politics

      'More spin than a front load washing machine': Hipkins blasts Willis for 10-minute cost of living 'sermon'


      Sponsored

      Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky

      Advertisement
      Advertise with NZME.

      Recommended for you

      'You were everything': Man who died from critical injuries in Rotorua remembered
      Rotorua Daily Post

      'You were everything': Man who died from critical injuries in Rotorua remembered

      Woman adopts ex-partner’s baby to save her from meth exposure, non-accidental injury
      New Zealand

      Woman adopts ex-partner’s baby to save her from meth exposure, non-accidental injury

      'Violent shaking': Helicopter crash under investigation
      Bay of Plenty Times

      'Violent shaking': Helicopter crash under investigation

      'More spin than a front load washing machine': Hipkins blasts Willis for 10-minute cost of living 'sermon'
      Politics

      'More spin than a front load washing machine': Hipkins blasts Willis for 10-minute cost of living 'sermon'

      Police arrest man after armed robbery, shooting at Whangārei bar
      New Zealand

      Police arrest man after armed robbery, shooting at Whangārei bar

      'Rarely encountered': Record-breaking LSD bust worth $1 million
      New Zealand

      'Rarely encountered': Record-breaking LSD bust worth $1 million



      Latest from New Zealand

      'You were everything': Man who died from critical injuries in Rotorua remembered
      New Zealand
      |Updated

      'You were everything': Man who died from critical injuries in Rotorua remembered

      Four men took the injured man to Rotorua Hospital on Saturday night.

      28 Jul 07:38 AM
      Woman adopts ex-partner’s baby to save her from meth exposure, non-accidental injury
      New Zealand
      |Updated

      Woman adopts ex-partner’s baby to save her from meth exposure, non-accidental injury

      28 Jul 07:00 AM
      'More spin than a front load washing machine': Hipkins blasts Willis for 10-minute cost of living 'sermon'
      Politics

      'More spin than a front load washing machine': Hipkins blasts Willis for 10-minute cost of living 'sermon'

      28 Jul 06:56 AM


      Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky
      Sponsored

      Solar bat monitors uncover secrets of Auckland’s night sky

      06 Jul 09:47 PM

      NZ Herald
      • About NZ Herald
      • Meet the journalists
      • Newsletters
      • Classifieds
      • Help & support
      • Contact us
      • House rules
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of use
      • Competition terms & conditions
      • Our use of AI
      Subscriber Services
      • NZ Herald e-editions
      • Daily puzzles & quizzes
      • Manage your digital subscription
      • Manage your print subscription
      • Subscribe to the NZ Herald newspaper
      • Subscribe to Herald Premium
      • Gift a subscription
      • Subscriber FAQs
      • Subscription terms & conditions
      • Promotions and subscriber benefits
      NZME Network
      • The New Zealand Herald
      • The Northland Age
      • The Northern Advocate
      • Waikato Herald
      • Bay of Plenty Times
      • Rotorua Daily Post
      • Hawke's Bay Today
      • Whanganui Chronicle
      • Viva
      • NZ Listener
      • Newstalk ZB
      • BusinessDesk
      • OneRoof
      • Driven Car Guide
      • iHeart Radio
      • Restaurant Hub
      NZME
      • About NZME
      • NZME careers
      • Advertise with NZME
      • Digital self-service advertising
      • Book your classified ad
      • Photo sales
      • NZME Events
      • © Copyright 2025 NZME Publishing Limited
      All Access. All in one subscription. From $2 per week
      Subscribe now

      All Access Weekly

      From $2 per week
      Pay just
      $15.75
      $2
      per week ongoing
      Subscribe now
      BEST VALUE

      All Access Annual

      Pay just
      $449
      $49
      per year ongoing
      Subscribe now
      Learn more
      30
      TOP
      search by queryly Advanced Search