The stepfather of murdered Lower Hutt schoolgirl Karla Cardno has gone on trial for allegedly threatening to hunt down and crucify her killer when he is released from prison.
Mark Middleton, aged 44, faces five charges of threatening to kill Paul Joseph Dally, who is serving a life sentence for the 1989 murder of the teenager.
Charges were laid against Middleton after he made comments to journalists and police in August and September 1999 when Dally first became eligible for parole.
Crown prosecutor Andrew Cameron told a jury in the Auckland District Court yesterday that Middleton had stated his intention to kill Dally during media interviews with Television New Zealand, the Dominion and the Wanganui Chronicle.
During one interview, Middleton allegedly said: "If they let this guy out I'll kill him. I'll nail him upside down to a tree, I'll cut his balls off and shove them down his throat. I'll sew his mouth shut and I'll kill him over three days."
Mr Cameron also alleged that Middleton told a journalist he had been planning his actions for 10 years.
"I don't forgive and I don't forget. There will be no mercy," Mr Cameron quoted Middleton as having told a television reporter.
A parole board administrator yesterday gave evidence of receiving a letter from Middleton before Dally's September 6 parole hearing which outlined his intentions.
"When you are released, Dally, you will be crucified upside down ... you will beg for mercy.
"I pray for your speedy release."
Dally was denied parole at that hearing and at a subsequent appearance last year.
In his opening address, Mr Cameron said Middleton reiterated his threats when interviewed by police and in doing so had effectively admitted the five charges he now faced.
Mr Cameron told the court everyone had sympathy for Middleton and Karla Cardno's family, as Dally's actions had been deplorable and utterly abhorrent.
But he warned the jury to put aside such feelings as no one was above the law.
Judge Michael Lance, QC, also acted to quell sympathy for Middleton by prohibiting details of Karla Cardno's murder from being published during the trial.
Judge Lance warned media that photos and historical footage of Karla Cardno and Dally should not be published either.
Applications from Television New Zealand and TV3 to film inside the court were turned down, with Judge Lance suppressing his reasons for doing so.
The high level of public emotion surrounding Middleton and the Karla Cardno murder was confirmed yesterday, when one man was ejected from the court before the jury was selected.
The man, who refused to give Judge Lance his name, clapped as Middleton was escorted into the dock.
The incident earned a strong rebuke from Judge Lance, who warned that any further outbursts would be considered to be in contempt of court.
Slain girl's stepdad on threat charges
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.