Victim's family angry at killer's sentence

The family of Karl Hanson, murdered in Ngaruawahia in October last year, say the 10-year minimum non-parole sentence handed down to his killer yesterday is not long enough.

A jury found Duane Kuru Southon, 36, guilty of murder on October 1.

At that time Mr Hanson's family cheered the conviction.

But they were angered yesterday when Southon, a bitumen spreader, appeared in the High Court at Hamilton and was sentenced by Justice Colin Nicholson to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 10 years.

"What is wrong with that judge?" Mr Hanson's brother Robbie said outside the courtroom. "That was not long enough. That was a violent murder. That is not justice."

Mr Hanson's sister Daphne Taylor was also disappointed.

"They need to look at the legal system," she said. "His (Karl's) mother is going to be devastated."

In court, crown prosecutor Mark Sturm emphasised Southon's criminal history, including a conviction for injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in 1992.

Justice Nicholson said in that instance Southon had gone to the office of his brother's solicitor, stabbed him twice and left him lying on the floor.

Mr Sturm asked Justice Nicholson to impose a minimum non-parole period of 17 years.

Mr Hanson's family hopes the crown will appeal the decision.

Southon's lawyer Chris Comeskey said psychiatric and psychologist reports highlighted an anger problem.

A letter written by Southon expressing his remorse was presented to the judge.

"You are taking steps to put your violent past behind you and will continue to do so," Justice Nicholson said.

Karl Hanson received 14 wounds, including stabs to his liver, heart and bowel and a slash extending from his left ear into his neck muscle when he opened the door for Southon at the Ngaruawahia home he was visiting on October 6, 2004.

- nzpa