Liberty's killer jailed for at least 11 and a half years

Teenager Hermanus Theodorus Kriel was just 14 when he killed Liberty Rose Templeman (pictured). Photo / Supplied

The teenager who murdered former Kerikeri schoolgirl Liberty Templeman has been jailed for a minimum of 11 and a half years.

In the High Court in Whangarei, Judge Raynor Asher sentenced Germanus Theodorus Kriel to 11 years and six months for Liberty's murder, and six months for her indecent assault - to be served concurrently.

Liberty's father, Andrew Templeman, stormed out of the court when the sentence was read. Her mother, Rebecca, left soon afterwards.

Justice Asher told Kriel his actions showed an immaturity.

"At the time of the murder - although possessing considerable height and strength - you were immature, you were if anything, young for your age in terms of your social skills, your ability to deal with situations and your attempt to hide your wrongdoing by attacking Liberty had the futile childish mark of panic and then denial.

"Your calmness in the days that followed is a source of concern but it has to be said that it was almost a blankness."

Justice Asher said professionals that had dealt with Kriel said he had "a tendency to withdraw".

"You appear to remove yourself from the emotional reality of what you have done, although aspects of your story show considerable cunning.

"You changed your story and told lies on many occasions."

Justice Asher noted that Kriel was only 14 at the time of the murder, that his actions were out of character and that it was a spur of the moment act with no premeditation.

However the deliberate actions involving punching Liberty and leaving her face down in a stream showed a callousness.

"I see your attack on Liberty and your dragging her to the stream and leaving her face down in the water as one part of a continuous attack, began in anger and finished in fear of panic and detection."

He said to Kriel: "You've given four different versions of the circumstances - none of which, on the basis of the jury's verdict, can be treated as entirely accurate."

Liberty's family earlier delivered emotional victim impact statements.

Andrew Templeman broke down giving his impact statement, while Liberty's mother, Rebecca, addressed Kriel directly, looking over the courtroom at him.

Her daughter's killer met her gaze but spent most of the time looking down.

Liberty's brother Billy also gave a victim impact statement.

Kriel was convicted in February of Liberty's murder.

He was arrested five days after the Liberty's body was found face down in a creek in November, 2008.

His trial took 10 days and the jury of six men and six women took more than 10 hours to reach a decision.

They found Kriel guilty of murder in an 11 to one decision, but were unanimous on a second charge of indecent assault.

Kriel showed no emotion at the verdicts and there was no reaction from the packed public gallery.

His lawyer Catherine Cull argued for a manslaughter conviction, saying his actions were those of a frightened boy who dragged Libby's unconscious body into a creek.

The Crown's said Kriel was a callous and calculating murderer who tried to blame others and lie his way out of trouble.

After the trial Libby's father said Kriel should serve his sentence in an adult prison.

He said nothing would make up for the loss of his daughter and whatever prison term was imposed it would not be enough.

- With NZPA