Man jailed 12 years for Nelson murder

A Nelson man has been jailed for at least 12 years after he shot dead another during a prearranged fight between two mobs in one of the city's parks.

Blair McNaughton, 25, was sentenced in the High Court at Nelson today after a jury earlier found him guilty of murdering Troy Minto, 22, at Branford Park in November 2009, the Nelson Mail reported.

Justice Denis Clifford said McNaughton was not involved in the arranged fight but knew one of his mates had brought along a pump-action shotgun. The weapon was dropped during the fight and McNaughton picked it up and shot Mr Minto at close range.

McNaughton still maintained he was acting in self defence as Mr Minto was charging him.

Justice Clifford sentenced McNaughton to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 12 years, which included concurrent terms for charges of unlawfully possessing a shotgun and unlawful gathering.

- NZPA