Promising former student jailed for killing man

A promising young South Canterbury rugby player and former Timaru Boys High School prefect has been jailed for 2-1/2 years for killing a man with one punch.

Daniel Kerisiano Senelale, 18, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in Timaru District Court last month.

He had been charged with murdering Mark Anthony Smith, 30, in a Timaru street in the early hours of February 26, but that charge was withdrawn by the Crown.

Senelale, who was a high school student at the time, admitted punching Mr Smith after he overheard him make a racist remark to doormen outside a Timaru bar.

Senelale chased after Mr Smith, abusing him and calling for an apology. When one was not forthcoming, Senelale grabbed Mr Smith around his collar and punched him once on the jaw while they were scuffling.

Mr Smith fell back with his head crashing heavily on the road. He was admitted to hospital and put on life support with head injuries. Life support was turned off later that day and he died the next morning.

Sentencing Senelale in the High Court at Timaru today, Justice John Fogarty said he had read a great number of letters supporting Senelale from school teachers, rugby coaches and many others.

Justice Fogarty said the tragedy would not have happened if Senelale had not been drinking heavily throughout the day and night and could control his anger.

"It is necessary to denounce this kind of senseless street violence that has cost a man his life," he said.

Judge Fogerty said he gave Senelale credit for participating in restorative justice with the victim's family, and for agreeing to get help with anger and alcohol problems.

He told Senelale that once he has served his jail sentence he should be able to make a good life for himself.

The court was packed with members of the Smith and Senelale families, along with school friends of Senelale's and his rugby coach.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB