Middleton is a hero say MPs

By PAUL YANDALL and NZPA

Support for Mark Middleton is growing, with calls for him to be hailed a hero if he is sent to prison for threatening to kill his stepdaughter's murderer.

Middleton, the stepfather of slain Taita teenager Karla Cardno, was found guilty on Friday of threatening to kill Paul Joseph Dally, who tortured and murdered Karla 11 years ago.

But Act MP and justice spokesman Stephen Franks, and former Police Minister John Banks, called Middleton a hero for his stand.

"If he is jailed, he should come out as a national hero. He's sacrificed himself," said Mr Franks yesterday, although he admitted that the law clearly stated that Middleton was guilty of threatening to kill.

"Middleton is a hero to me for saying he was going to do something about it. The best tribute to him would be to take seriously the concerns that he's expressed."

Justice Minister Phil Goff said he did not want to comment specifically on Middleton's case because it was still before the courts and open to appeal.

He said he sympathised with Karla Cardno's family and the crime committed by Dally was the "most disgusting committed by any living criminal" in New Zealand.

"But the responsibility of the police and the courts is to uphold the law without fear or favour."

Middleton's supporters have been outspoken since his remand in custody on Friday.

Aucklander Greg Stenbeck, whose son Aaron was engaged to murder and rape victim Kylie Jones, said members of Victims of Invasive Crime (Voice), which supports Middleton, would hold a public meeting at the court on sentencing day.

Middleton's brother, George Middleton, said he had had many calls of support for his brother.

Middleton, who is in Auckland's new remand prison while he awaits sentencing this month, is asking supporters not to repeat his actions and end up following him behind bars.

"He doesn't want people to go out there and make threats themselves in his name," said his lawyer, Keith Jefferies. "He doesn't want people to get themselves into trouble over him."

"He's grateful for all of those who have shown support but he wants people to remain calm."

Middleton had decided yesterday not to appeal against being remanded in custody.

On Friday, a jury found Middleton, 44, of Wanganui, guilty of three of five charges of threatening to kill Dally. Karla was abducted and her body was later found buried on a beach near Eastbourne.

Determined that Dally would pay for his crime, Middleton repeatedly vowed during interviews in 1999 to kill him if he was released on parole.

Dally has served more than 11 years of his life sentence, and has twice been refused parole. He is due to be considered for parole again in September.

Presiding Judge Michael Lance, QC, suggested on Friday that imprisonment was likely for Middleton. He could face up to seven years in jail.